Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat reviewed on Thursday work progress in the strategic Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, and the ongoing preparations to receive the first nuclear fuel shipment next year.
The meeting featured Chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority Sherif Helmy and Alexey Kononenko, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Atomstroyexport and Project Director of the construction of Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant construction project
The meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abbassiya, also discussed implementation of the plant’s physical protection plan, security and safety requirements, and preparations to connect the facility to the national electricity grid in line with the agreed timetable.
Esmat reviewed progress at the various stages of the project and measures to speed up implementation while maintaining close co-ordination between the Egyptian and Russian teams.
He also stressed the need for continued co-operation among all parties to ensure that construction milestones and grid connection deadlines are met.
Nuclear energy is a key component of Egypt’s energy mix and a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to diversify electricity generation sources, achieve the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030, meet rising demand for electricity and strengthen energy security, he said.
Esmat described the Dabaa plant as a major outcome of the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia, reflecting the longstanding ties between the two countries and their co-operation under Egypt’s peaceful nuclear power programme.
Discussions also covered efforts to expand local manufacturing and increase the share of Egyptian-made components in the project, as part of the state’s strategy to localise industry.
These include the manufacture of sections of the reactor building’s inner containment vessel, as well as key components of the cooling system, including connecting pipes that are being manufactured entirely in Egypt.
Esmat highlighted the contribution of Egyptian workers, who account for around 80 per cent of the project’s total workforce, as well as co-operation with several national entities, including the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation, to expand local production of electrical equipment.
He reaffirmed that construction at the Dabaa plant is progressing according to plan, with all Egyptian, Russian and international partners committed to the agreed timetable for completing the various stages and connecting the plant to the national grid.
