The Egyptian government confirmed that the "Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, implemented by the Russian company Rosatom, is an important element in the sustainable development strategy within Egypt's Vision 2030, and it is a long-awaited dream." In a statement, the government explained that the project's implementation is a culmination of many years of efforts to introduce peaceful nuclear energy to Egypt. The actual implementation of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant consists of three phases:
"The first phase is the preparatory phase, which began in December 2017 and covers activities aimed at preparing and equipping the site for constructing the nuclear plant. This phase lasts from two and a half to four years." The government continued: "The second phase starts after obtaining the construction permit and includes all work related to construction, training of personnel, and preparation to begin pre-operational testing. This phase lasts five and a half years."
It was mentioned that "the third phase includes obtaining permission to conduct pre-operational tests, which consist of operational testing and actual commencement. This phase continues until the initial delivery of the nuclear unit and the issuance of the operating license, and the duration of pre-operational testing is approximately 11 months."
The Egyptian government noted that, in reality, achievements are being made according to the announced plan, as the Nuclear Power Plants Authority succeeded in completing the following works: "The completion of the first concrete pour for the first nuclear unit on July 20, 2022, the completion of the first concrete pour for the second nuclear unit on November 19, 2022, the completion of the first concrete pour for the third unit on May 3, 2023, and the completion of the first concrete pour for the fourth and final unit on January 23, 2024. Additionally, some installation works for heavy equipment have begun, including the installation of the reactor core catcher for the first nuclear unit at the plant in October 2023. The implementation of works at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is progressing according to a defined timeline and according to the highest standards of nuclear security and safety."
The statement concluded: "It is also expected that the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant will open a new field that has not existed in Egypt before with this new technology, providing different experiences for Egyptian engineers and technicians, which constitutes a real gain and an example of transferring and localizing nuclear technology."
