Name and Location
El Dabaa nuclear power plant, Egypt.

Project Description
The project will involve the construction of a cogeneration nuclear power plant, with two possible 1 000-MWe nuclear reactors, on a site in El Dabaa, on the western coast of the Mediterranean sea. El Dabaa lies between the port cities of Alexandria and Mersa Matruh, where future nuclear plant sites are being studied. The nuclear plant is also expected to desalinate the Mediterranean seawater and provide the north coast area and Mersa Matruh with potable water.

The El Dabaa power plant will be followed by three other reactors, tentatively scheduled to start production by 2025. The nuclear programme will possibly add another 4 000 MW of power during the same year.

Value
The cost is estimated at $4-billion.

Duration
It is expected that the plant will be linked to the national grid by 2019.

Client
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy, represented by the Nuclear Power Plant Authority.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
WorleyParsons (consultant).

Latest Developments
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy will start the international bidding process for its first nuclear power plant in December 2010. Work with the nuclear consultancy firm is ongoing to prepare the necessary tender specifications that will pave the way for the start of the bidding process.

Further, it has been reported that local Egyptian banks plan to amend their credit policies to meet the requirements of financing the country's first nuclear project. Among those interested include the Arab African International Bank, which, according to vice-president Atef Ibrahim, is prepared to contribute funding only as part of a consortium.

Meanwhile, a Ministerial committee charged with the examination of funds for the project is expected to explore three main financing options. The first avenue involves getting the possible funds from the Egyptian government. The second option will feature a government partnership with the private sector. However, this option will be in violation of a new law, which mandates that nuclear projects be exclusively owned and operated by the State. The third option will comprise funding offers from firms lobbying to supply components to the station.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Ministry of Electricity and Energy, tel +20 2 2261 6317/6514, fax +20 2 2261 6302 or
email info@moee.gov.eg.
WorleyParsons Cairo, tel +20 2 2359 5628 or fax +20 2 2359 1038.