The Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority announced on September 25, 2026, that the lower plate of the reactor pit for the third nuclear unit at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant has been successfully installed. This marks a significant step in the implementation of the project, following the installation of the dry shielding on August 28, 2026. The lower plate is a crucial component of the reactor pit in the Russian-designed VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors.
The lower plate of the reactor pit weighs approximately 130.85 tons and has a diameter of 5465 millimeters and a length of 3820 millimeters. It was manufactured from steel according to precise specifications, compatible with the internal diameter of the dry shielding, which is 5650 millimeters. The installation of this plate is a critical step in ensuring the precise alignment of the reactor pressure vessel on its vertical axis.
The reactor pit's lower plate serves as a vital link between the pit's components and the reactor pressure vessel. Its installation is part of a precise engineering sequence for the reactor's implementation, which includes the installation of the core catcher, pouring concrete into the support structures, and installing the dry shielding and thermal insulation for the cylindrical part of the reactor vessel.
The installation of the lower plate paves the way for the next major step: installing the reactor pressure vessel for the third nuclear unit. The vessel is approximately 13 meters long, 4.5 meters in diameter, and weighs around 320 tons. The construction work is being carried out under strict regulatory oversight and nuclear safety requirements, supervised by the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority.
The successful installation of the lower plate demonstrates the continued progress of the third unit's construction according to the project's timeline. This brings the unit closer to the stage of installing the main equipment for the reactor circuit, as part of completing the construction and installation works for the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is being developed with Russian assistance, using VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors. The plant will have four units, with the first unit expected to start operation in the late 2020s. The project aims to enhance Egypt's nuclear energy capabilities and contribute to the country's power generation.
The Egyptian government has emphasized the importance of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in meeting the country's growing energy demands and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The plant is expected to play a significant role in Egypt's energy mix, providing a clean and reliable source of electricity for millions of Egyptians.
Key points
- The installation of the lower plate of the reactor pit marks a significant milestone in the construction of the third nuclear unit at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
- The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is being developed with Russian assistance, using VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors.
- The plant is expected to enhance Egypt's nuclear energy capabilities and contribute to the country's power generation.
