During his visit, the Minister closely monitored the on-site progress to verify the readiness of critical electrical equipment components, turbines, and generators. He also confirmed the successful completion of technical tests for the first nuclear unit's turbine generator, which is anticipated to arrive at the El-Dabaa plant before the end of this year.
Minister Esmat was accompanied by delegations from the Nuclear
Power Plants Authority, led by Dr. Sherif Helmy, and Atomstroyexport, the
construction project manager for the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, represented
by Deputy Head Alexey Kononenko. Officials from Arabelle Solutions and
Framatome provided a presentation detailing the readiness of the primary
electrical equipment components for the El-Dabaa plant, with particular focus
on the electrical turbines and generators. It's worth noting that this turbine
will be the largest of its kind in both Egypt and Africa.
The presentation also highlighted the integration of modern
technology into various power plant operation control systems and detailed the current
supply status in relation to the project's overall timeline. As a key
milestone, the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is scheduled to receive the turbine
for its first nuclear unit before the end of the current year.
Dr. Mahmoud Esmat conducted an in-depth inspection of
several departments within the French manufacturing facilities, closely
monitoring the production progress of vital equipment and electrical
components. He officially initiated the technical tests for the first nuclear
unit's turbine generator directly at the factory, ensuring strict adherence to
contracted technical specifications.
The Minister also reviewed the detailed work plan, focusing
on achieving full readiness for all remaining tests and subsequently commencing
the transfer of turbine components to the El-Dabaa plant construction site. His
comprehensive tour included inspecting various electrical equipment and
components destined for the plant, such as electrical turbine components and
generators.
This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to
continuously monitor developments and progress at the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power
Plant project. It highlights the shared dedication of all involved parties to meet
established timelines and schedules for every stage of this strategic
electricity generation project, ultimately leading to its connection to Egypt's
unified national grid.
Dr. Mahmoud Esmat emphasized the continuous communication
with Russia, crediting the project's achievements and adherence to its timeline
to the strong cooperation and coordination between the Egyptian and Russian
teams.
He affirmed that the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project
reflects the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia and symbolizes the
depth of the distinguished and long-standing relations between the two
countries. The nuclear energy sector is a fundamental pillar for achieving
Egypt's Vision 2030. The El-Dabaa project is one of the state's options to meet
the increasing demand for electricity, enhance energy security, support
sustainable development, and boost economic growth.
Dr. Esmat highlighted that Egypt's political leadership
closely monitors the progress of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the
overall diversification of electricity generation sources, particularly the
energy mix strategy. He explained the nation's reliance on clean energy to
significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, noting that Egypt
is a leader in the field of nuclear energy.
He underscored the pivotal role nuclear energy can play across various scientific, industrial, and agricultural sectors, emphasizing its importance for achieving sustainable development. Dr. Esmat also pointed to the strategic goal of ensuring stability and continuity for the unified grid, thereby guaranteeing the security and sustainability of electricity supply in line with Egypt's vision for energy transition.