7 key facts about Egypt's El Dabaa nuclear plant

Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction in the Matrouh governorate, is set to be a transformative project for the country's energy sector. Here are 7 essential facts about this ambitious endeavor:

1. Egypt’s First Nuclear Power Plant El Dabaa is Egypt's first nuclear power plant, representing a major step towards diversifying the country’s energy resources. Located on the Mediterranean coast, about 320 kilometers west of Alexandria, this plant marks a historic venture into nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

2. Significant Contribution to Egypt’s Energy Needs Once operational, the El Dabaa plant will generate 4.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, covering around 10% of Egypt’s total energy consumption. The plant is expected to produce up to 37 billion kilowatt-hours annually, providing a steady and reliable power source to meet the growing demand.

3. Collaboration Between Egypt and Russia The project is being constructed by Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, in collaboration with Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA). The partnership reflects a strategic alliance, with Russia providing not only the technology and expertise but also financing through a state export loan agreement.

4. Advanced Reactor Technology El Dabaa will feature four reactors, each with a capacity of 1.2 GW, using advanced VVER-1200 technology. This type of reactor is considered one of the safest and most efficient in the world, having been successfully implemented in Russia and several other countries.

5. Economic Impact and Job Creation The construction of the El Dabaa plant is expected to boost Egypt’s economy significantly. According to Rosatom, the project could increase Egypt’s GDP by more than 1%. With over 16,000 workers involved daily and more than 90 Egyptian companies partnering in its construction, the plant is creating numerous job opportunities and stimulating local industries.

6. Timeline and Progress Construction began in 2022, with foundations for the first two reactors already laid, and work on the third reactor underway. The fourth and final reactor is expected to start construction soon, with the entire plant slated to be fully operational by 2030. By the end of 2024, 30% of the project's construction is expected to be completed, keeping the development on schedule.

7. Strategic Goals and Environmental Benefits El Dabaa is not just about power generation; it's a cornerstone of Egypt’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and achieve greater sustainability. The plant aims to provide a stable, long-term energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to Egypt's environmental sustainability goals and efforts to combat climate change.

These facts highlight the strategic importance of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, not only for Egypt’s energy sector but also for its broader economic and environmental objectives. As the project progresses, it stands to become a flagship example of international cooperation and technological advancement in Africa.