The Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority has announced that its teams have successfully installed the lower plate of the reactor shaft for the third nuclear unit at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. This marks a significant step in the preparation and installation of components for the reactor circuit. The installation was carried out under the supervision and inspection of the authority's teams, in coordination with the Russian general contractor, Atomstroyexport.
The lower plate of the reactor shaft is a crucial component in the preparation of the reactor shaft for Russian third-generation VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors. Its installation follows the completion of the dry shielding on August 28, 2026. The plate weighs approximately 130.85 tons, with a diameter of 5465 millimeters and a length of 3820 millimeters. It was manufactured from steel according to precise technical specifications.
The successful installation of the lower plate is a key step in the geometric sequence of preparing the reactor shaft for the installation of the reactor pressure vessel. The plate serves as a link between the reactor shaft equipment and the pressure vessel, ensuring precise alignment of the pressure vessel on its vertical axis. This step is part of a comprehensive engineering sequence that includes the installation of the reactor core catcher and the pouring of concrete.
The completion of the lower plate installation 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 work is being carried out under nuclear and radiological supervision by inspectors from the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority.
This achievement is part of the implementation of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project timeline, bringing the third unit closer to the stage of installing main equipment for the reactor circuit. The project is progressing according to plan, with the authority working to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met.
The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project involves the construction of a nuclear power plant with four units, each with a capacity of 1200 MW. The plant is expected to play a significant role in Egypt's energy sector, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity needs. The project is being implemented in cooperation with Russian partners, with Atomstroyexport as the main contractor.
The successful installation of the lower plate of the reactor shaft for the third nuclear unit at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant marks a significant milestone in the project's progress. The plant is expected to be completed in the coming years, with the first unit scheduled to be operational soon. The project will not only provide electricity but also contribute to Egypt's economic development and energy security.
Key points
- The Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority has successfully installed the lower plate of the reactor shaft for the third nuclear unit at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
- The installation is a crucial step in the preparation and installation of components for the reactor circuit.
- The project is progressing according to plan, with the authority working to ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met.
