1st unit of Dabaa plant to operate by 2026: Electricity Min.

CAIRO – 11 December 2017: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohammed Shaker said on Monday that the first unit of the Dabaa nuclear power plant is expected to be completed by 2026, and the second, third and fourth units by 2028.

The Dabaa nuclear power plant for peaceful activities consists of four nuclear units with a total capacity of 4800 MW, added Shaker, pointing out that the electricity generated will be used to desalinate water in Dabaa and El Alamein.

Russia and Egypt signed nuclear cooperation agreements to build the nuclear plant. On Aug. 26, both countries signed contracts to build the first phase of the plant, which includes four out of eight reactors, stated Shaker.

The Dabaa plant uses third-generation nuclear reactors according to the latest science and technology, which have a safe design and are resistant to fault by the operator.

The 60-year-old plant has an unprecedented capacity to withstand large accidents. It can withstand the collision of a 400-ton aircraft with a speed of 150 meters per second. The nuclear reactors also have safe operation without any negative effects on the surrounding environment.

These reactors do not include radiation leakage through multiple filters and barriers, and they contain a modern, automatic control system.

The Dabaa project also provides a number of social, economic and cultural benefits, as it provides about 10,000 new jobs for youth in the governorate during the construction period of nearly eight years, as well as at least 4,000 other jobs after operation.

The project will also promote tourism in the area of Dabaa and Matrouh governorate.

Egypt's peaceful nuclear program will lead to the introduction of new industries and will increase the quality of the Egyptian industry in line with the required quality standards for nuclear industries, explained Shaker.

He further stated that the Dabaa project will lead to the development of the local industry in the fields of manufacturing electrical and mechanical equipment used in nuclear plants to ensure the efficiency of operation and maintenance, as well as maximizing competitiveness in the local and global market, which will improve the national income.