Installation of the fifth level of the containment vessel for Unit 1 at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant has begun, covering elevations from +37.10 to +44.60 metres, the Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) announced on Saturday.
In a statement, the NPPA explained that the containment vessel is a “cylindrical structure” housing the nuclear reactor and primary circuit equipment.
The fifth level comprises 12 prefabricated segments manufactured at the El Dabaa site. Each segment is 7.5 metres high and weighs between 40 and 45 tonnes depending on its structural components.
The installation is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Once assembled, the segments will form a complete circular ring of the containment vessel.
The works are being carried out using a 2200‑tonne capacity heavy crane, underscoring the scale and technical complexity of Egypt’s flagship nuclear project.
Highly experienced specialists are executing the works in accordance with the highest international quality and safety standards.
The installation is subject to rigorous inspection and testing by the NPPA’s monitoring and supervision teams and complies with all regulatory procedures and requirements of the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA), ensuring the highest levels of safety, security and quality, the authority said in its statement.
NPPA Chairman Sherif Helmy said the start of Level 5 installation reflects continuous efforts, coordination and fruitful co-operation with Russian partner Atomstroyexport, alongside a firm commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety and nuclear security.
Helmy attributed the progress to the professionalism of the authority’s monitoring and supervision teams and Atomstroyexport’s installation, engineering and design teams.
Alexey Kononenko, Vice President of Atomstroyexport, described the commencement of installation as a significant operational milestone, saying the progress reflects the dedicated efforts of workers, technicians, supervisors, engineers, designers and specialists across various fields, as well as the effective partnership with Egypt.
