Egypt's Nuclear Energy Programme Takes Major Step With Light Water Reactor Tender
Egypt's nuclear energy programme takes a significant step forward. The ministry has announced a tender for light water reactors, with the first contract expected to be awarded to Russia's Rosatom in November 2023. The tender includes four units, with capacities ranging from 900 to 1650 megawatts each, and bidders have until mid-July 2012 to submit their offers.
The tender includes an immediate unit and an optional one for signing in two years. The winning bidder's contract will be signed in mid-2012, following an additional six-month review period by the ministry. Notably, the idea of nuclear energy water desalination was first proposed in the 1960s, a solution that Egypt, facing severe water scarcity, is now actively pursuing. The ministry's 2011-2012 budget has already allocated funds for completing Al-Dabaa's infrastructure and studying new sites.
Light water reactors, the most commonly used worldwide, will be at the heart of Egypt's nuclear energy programme. The first contract, for the Al-Dabaa site, will be awarded to Rosatom, with the signing expected in November 2023. This marks a crucial step in Egypt's efforts to diversify its energy mix and address its water scarcity challenges.
