Latest news with #Rosatom
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Belarus disconnects unit at its nuclear power station after warning
July 17 (Reuters) - The second of two units at Belarus' only nuclear power station has been disconnected from the grid after an alarm indicating a deviation in the cooling system in the non-nuclear part, the energy ministry said late on Wednesday. The power plant in the city of Astravets, located in the western Grodno region, is situated 15 km from the border with Lithuania and has faced criticism over safety concerns, primarily from neighbouring countries and international organisations. "The situation is routine and poses no threat to the safe operation of the plant," the Belarusian energy ministry said in a statement published on its Telegram messaging app. "Radiation levels at the NPP (nuclear power plant) and in the surrounding monitoring zone have remained unchanged." Reuters could not independently verify the report about the incident and radiation levels. The plant's second unit was connected to the Belarusian grid in 2023. The first unit was launched in 2020. However, operations were interrupted by maintenance issues. The plant was built by Russian state-owned firm Rosatom and financed by Moscow. The plant supplies about 40% of Belarus' electricity needs, according to information posted on the plant's website. Baltic countries, which protested against the project, have banned imports of electricity from the plant, saying it was unsafe.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's new chapter with nuclear
Fadillah and Likhachev discussed key areas including legal frameworks, technology transfer, and workforce training. — Bernama photo KUCHING (July 13, 2025): Nuclear power is officially on the table for national development. With rising pressure to cut emissions, secure long-term supply, and reduce reliance on coal and gas, nuclear power has returned to the national agenda after years on the sidelines. This was made clear during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof's recent working visit to Russia, the global leader in nuclear energy. The visit marks a defining moment for Malaysia's energy ambitions. It signals renewed political will, international collaboration, and a pragmatic approach to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This diplomatic mission was a clear signal of Malaysia's intent to seriously explore nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between Malaysia's MyPower Corporation and Russian state atomic energy agency Rosatom, paving the way for future cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Fadillah met Rosatom director-general Alexey Likhachev to discuss key areas including legal frameworks, technology transfer, and workforce training. He said the engagement will allow Malaysian technical agencies to start direct talks with Rosatom, including cooperation on upgrading the national power grid and potential links with the Asean Power Grid. This push is part of Malaysia's broader National Energy Transition Roadmap as nuclear now seen as a viable clean baseload option. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), unveiled in July 2023, outlines three key targets for power sector decarbonisation. These include reaching 40 per cent renewable energy by 2040 and 70 per cent by 2050, phasing out coal entirely by 2045, and using natural gas as a lower-carbon baseload fuel during the transition. Fadillah, who is also the Minister for Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said the Cabinet has in principle agreed to consider nuclear as a future energy source. 'This is to address the current limitations in baseload energy supply. We are trying to reduce our dependence on coal and gas, but supply remains a challenge. 'In addition, we are facing constraints in hydroelectric generation due to limited water resources. Globally, many now see nuclear power as an option that must be considered,' he was quoted as saying. It is worth noting that Malaysia's interest in nuclear is not new. In 2008, the government set up the Nuclear Power Development Steering Committee. The following year, former Prime Minister Najib Razak unveiled a plan to establish a small-scale nuclear reactor. By 2011, the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC) was established as Malaysia's Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO), positioned under the Prime Minister's Department. The MNPC took on the functions of the Nuclear Power Development Steering Committee. Alongside its establishment, there was a budget of US$7.7 million from 2010-2012 that highlighted the country's strong commitment to nuclear power development. Among key pre-project activities undertaken by MNPC between 2011 and 2014 were completion of legal and regulatory studies, which included Malaysia's Nuclear Power Regulatory Infrastructure Development Plan (NPRIDP). However, these plans were ultimately shelved following the disbandment of the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC) in 2018 after Najib's term ended. His successor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad asserted that Malaysia would not pursue nuclear power plants. Fast forward to November 2024, the then Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli confirmed that the Cabinet and National Energy Council had endorsed nuclear for inclusion in the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), making it the first time in over a decade since the discussion on nuclear was first introduced. 'Nuclear is on the table – because without nuclear and if we were to miss one or two (options), its quite difficult for Malaysia to achieve net zero by 2050,' he said. He also said groundwork for nuclear adoption is well underway and expected to be tabled in Parliament this month (July 2025). The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and PETRA are jointly tasked with preparing the legal and regulatory framework, which must comply with international standards before any project can proceed. Analysts at TA Securities believe MOSTI will handle the legal side while PETRA will take charge on technical integration into the energy system, as nuclear is being considered for post-2035 deployment. Analysis: Nuclear necessary to hit M'sia's energy targets The clock is ticking as Malaysia searches for clean and stable energy to replace coal, which still makes up 59 per cent of Malaysia's generation mix. Over half of Malaysia's coal-fired capacity, around 7GW, is scheduled to retire between 2029 and 2033. The remaining 5GW is set to go offline by 2044, in line with the government's long-term target to phase out coal. Furthermore, Malaysia's electricity demand is projected to increase significantly driven by expanding industrial activities, the rapid growth of energy-intensive data centres, and the rising adoption of electric vehicles. According to a Energy Watch report, 18 operational data centres in Malaysia already consume about 800MW, and this figure could surge with 81 new data centres expected by 2035. Government projections show national power demand could reach 7.7GW by 2030 and 20.9GW by 2040, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia is not alone in this push. Across Asean, several countries are also turning to nuclear as part of their energy strategy. Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam are moving ahead with plans, with an estimated 10.6GW of nuclear capacity expected to come online in Asean by 2035, and at least 30GW by 2050. Indonesia has announced plans to build 4.3GW of nuclear capacity. The Philippines is home to the region's only nuclear power plant, built in the 1980s but never operated. Globally, nuclear power has been gaining ground for decades, with Asia, North America, and Europe leading the way. In 2023, nuclear plants generated 2602 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity worldwide, based on International Energy Agency data. Nuclear makes up 9 per cent of global electricity generation. In advanced economies, the share is 17 per cent, while in emerging and developing countries it remains at just 5 per cent, according to TA Securities. In 2024, nuclear contributed 8 per cent of new global electricity generation. Renewable energy made up the largest share at 38 per cent, followed by gas (28 per cent), coal (15 per cent) and oil (11 per cent), according to IEA estimates. While the 2011 Fukushima disaster slowed nuclear growth as countries re-examine their policies, the tide has turned. Japan has since restarted 14 reactors, with three more approved. China, Russia and the US continue to invest, with China leading new reactor development. For Malaysia, the need is urgent. With 7GW due to be retired in the next eight years, and 5GW more between 2040 and 2044, the search for baseload alternatives is more critical than ever. Given the 10 to 15 years required to set up the legal, regulatory and technical framework for a nuclear project, groundworks must begin soon. TA Securities said while nuclear may not be ready in time to replace the first batch of expiring coal capacity between 2029 and 2033, which will likely be filled by natural gas, it can be positioned to replace the remaining coal fleet between 2040 and 2044 and serve as a clean complement to the generation mix. How does nuclear work? Nuclear energy is produced through a process called nuclear fission. This happens when the nucleus of an atom, usually uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split by a neutron. The split releases heat and more neutrons, which then strike other fuel atoms, creating a chain reaction. This reaction is carefully controlled inside a nuclear reactor. The heat generated from fission is used to turn water into steam. The steam drives turbines that are connected to generators, which produce electricity. Because no fossil fuels are burned, nuclear power produces almost no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The entire process is kept within secure systems to prevent radiation leaks, but safety and long-term waste management remain critical issues. Despite this, many countries continue to invest in nuclear energy due to its ability to deliver stable and low-carbon electricity. There are several types of nuclear reactors used around the world, each with different designs and functions. The most common is the pressurised water reactor (PWR), which uses water as both coolant and neutron moderator. The water is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling, and heat is transferred through a primary circuit to a secondary loop that produces steam to drive turbines. In Russia, similar designs are known as VVER reactors. Boiling water reactors (BWRs) work in a similar way but use only one water circuit, where the water boils inside the reactor vessel to produce steam directly. This makes them simpler than PWRs. Heavy water reactors (HWRs), such as Canada's CANDU reactors, use deuterium oxide as coolant and moderator. They produce more energy per kilogram of uranium but also generate more spent fuel. Gas-cooled reactors (GCRs) use gases like carbon dioxide or helium for cooling and graphite as a moderator, with the advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) being a well-known variant. Fast neutron reactors (FNRs) do not use a moderator at all and rely on fast neutrons to sustain fission, often using liquid metals like sodium as coolant. These reactors can extract far more energy from uranium compared to conventional reactors, though they require more highly enriched fuel and are more costly to build. Regardless of the difference, all nuclear reactor types aim to generate low-carbon, reliable electricity on a large scale. Inside the global race towards a nuclear future Lee (middle) alongside other panelists during the Energy Asia 2025 session entitled 'Nuclear Revival in Asia'. A shift is underway in the world of energy. For decades, nuclear power was a technology defined by public apprehension and political inertia. Today, driven by the twin crises of climate change and volatile energy markets, a new era for nuclear is dawning. Across the globe, from established industrial powers to emerging economies, governments are actively embracing nuclear energies as a cornerstone of a clean, secure energy future. This is a 'complete paradigm shift,' said King Lee, head of policy and industry engagement at the World Nuclear Association, the international body representing the sector. 'This is really driven by climate change, and more recently, energy security concerns,' he explained, pointing to the recent energy crisis that sent prices soaring and hit both consumers and industries hard. He said this during a panel session at Energy Asia 2025 titled 'Nuclear Revival in Asia'. The evidence of this change can be seen worldwide. Lee said as of early 2025, approximately 440 nuclear reactors are operating in 33 countries, while about 60 more new units are being constructed worldwide; This global momentum, however, is not evenly distributed. The majority of nuclear development centres mostly in Asia, a continent in the midst of an unprecedented energy transformation that is placing nuclear power at its very core. While the world grapples with its energy future, Asia is clear on its energy directives as the continent is already home to 30 per cent of the world's nuclear capacity, but that is just the beginning. 'Moving forward, the major growth of nuclear is in Asia,' Lee said. 'Of the nearly 70GW that's currently under construction globally, approximately 70 per cent of these are in Asia.' A look across the region reveals a breathtaking scale of ambition. According to data from the World Nuclear Association, China is an undisputed giant of this new nuclear age, operating 58 reactors and building another 27. It has plans to reach 150GW of nuclear capacity by 2035 and potentially 400GW by 2060. This would firmly establish China as the world's leading nuclear power. In a significant policy reversal, South Korea is doubling down on nuclear. Its latest energy plan calls for three new reactors by 2038, aiming for nuclear power to generate over 35 per cent of the nation's electricity. As for Japan, the nation that experienced the trauma of Fukushima is cautiously re-embracing the atom. With 14 reactors now restarted out of 33 operable ones, Japan's goal is to generate 20 per cent of its electricity from nuclear by 2040, a target that will require restarting most of its existing fleet and building new plants. Over in India, with its long-term vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India has announced a massive nuclear expansion, targeting 100 gigawatts of capacity by 2047 and opening the door to both state-led and private investment. This wave of development is now spilling over into Southeast Asia, a region on the cusp of its own nuclear dawn. Bangladesh is set to commission its first reactor in late 2025. Vietnam has revived its nuclear programme, aiming for its first plant by the mid-2030s. The Philippines is debating the revival of its mothballed Bataan plant, while Indonesia and Malaysia have officially included nuclear power in their long-term energy roadmaps. SMRs: Revolutionising the future of reactors This file photo on August 10, 2023 shows the assembly site of the core module of the world's first commercial small modular reactor, Linglong One, in Changjiang Li Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. — XInhua photo This nuclear renaissance is not simply about building more of the same. A key driver of this new momentum is a technological evolution: the Small Modular Reactor, or SMR. These are not the sprawling, gigawatt-scale plants of the 20th century. Instead, they represent a fundamental rethinking of nuclear design, safety, and deployment. 'I believe large reactors and SMRs have different features and therefore serve different markets,' explained Masanori Ijichi, division director at Japan's IHI Corporation, which invested in SMR developer NuScale in 2021. While large reactors are a good fit for established grids with massive electricity demand, like in Japan, SMRs offer a different value proposition. 'SMRs have other features, such as advanced safety, a variety of sizes, and flexibility,' Ijichi says. This means they can be adapted for smaller grids, remote communities, or to replace decommissioned coal plants. Their key innovation lies in modularity. 'Most of the work is done in a fabrication shop, which simplifies construction work at the site,' he notes, a crucial advantage given the cost and schedule overruns that have plagued some large-scale nuclear projects. Jon Guidroz, senior vice president at Aalo Atomics from the US, takes this concept a step further. He argued that for the revolution to be real, SMRs must move from being 'construction projects' to 'mass-manufactured products.' 'One of the challenges I see when I look across the SMR landscape is that many of them are neither small nor modular,' he said during the Energy Asia panel session. 'Aalo Atomics is betting on a different model. We are building a factory in Austin, Texas, with the goal of mass-producing 50MW reactors that can be shipped for assembly on-site. 'The idea is to move from construction projects, which have very low predictability on schedule and are prone to cost overruns… to factory-based, mass-manufactured products,' Guidroz said. 'This approach is the key to unlocking nuclear power for a new and unexpected customer: Big Tech.' Malaysia has been studying SMRs since last year. MOSTI has confirmed that it has conducted benchmarking visits to Russia to explore floating power unit SMRs, nuclear energy cycles, and related safety guidelines. (Source: Malaysia Nuclear Association) It said these efforts are aligned with global trends, as SMRs are gaining traction for their enhanced safety features, scalability, and suitability for smaller grids or remote areas. Large nuclear reactors require huge capital outlay and pose financial risks, especially for a first-time nuclear country like Malaysia. Hence, SMRs, by comparison, offer a more practical alternative. It is defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as advanced fission reactors of up to 300MW per unit. They are also smaller and modular (hence their name) and their can be prefabricated, shipped and installed on-site that help cut both costs and delays. SMRs also offer more deployment flexibility. They can be scaled up over time, easing financing pressures and helping replace ageing fossil fuel plants. Beyond power generation, some SMR designs can support industrial needs like hydrogen production, desalination and district heating. There is growing interest in using SMRs to meet electricity demand from data centres and AI systems. Their stable, carbon-free output and small footprint make them attractive for operators with decarbonisation targets. As of end-2024, around 25GW of SMR capacity has been proposed for data centre use globally, mostly in the US. China's first SMR, the ACP100 or Linglong One, is expected to be completed by 2026 and was the first design to pass the IAEA safety review. The US leads in SMR innovation, with federal support and the first projects expected online by the early 2030s. In Europe, the EU SMR Industrial Alliance is driving deployment plans across the bloc. Countries like France, the Czech Republic, Finland and Sweden are also exploring SMR use, with total capacity targets ranging from 3GW to 10GW. Globally, the IEA projects a US$670 billion market for SMRs by 2050, with over 1,000 units expected across 30 countries. However, TA Securities noted SMR costs remain uncertain until more units are commercialised, as most designs are still new and have yet to prove cost advantages at scale. Additionally, it believes that SMR is a strong contender for Malaysia's first nuclear project due to their smaller size and easier deployment. 'However, in balancing the energy trilemma, we believe the government will also take into consideration the high costs associated with nuclear energy and its impact on consumer tariffs – hence, any potential induction of nuclear energy is likely to be gradual. 'We also acknowledge competing technologies such as energy storage, which can address solar intermittence, gas with CCS (carbon capture & storage), as well as hydrogen, although the latter is still technically and commercially challenging,' it said. This file photo on August 10, 2023 shows the construction site of Linglong One, in Changjiang Li Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. — Xinhua photo The path forward for the new era Despite the technological advancements and growing political will, the road to a nuclear-powered future is not without its hurdles. Turning ambition into reality will require overcoming significant challenges in finance, regulation, and public trust. For nuclear power to truly enter a new era, it must overcome the lingering shadow of past accidents, most notably Chernobyl. Addressing this public perception challenge is paramount. 'When we talk about safety, it's not a binary question of 'is it safe or isn't it safe?'' asked Professor Michael Short of MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. 'Every technology has a risk. And the biggest risk I think we could take is to do nothing.' Short argued for a data-driven perspective. When comparing deaths per unit of electricity produced, 'nuclear, wind, and solar are nearly indistinguishable from each other.' He likens the perception of nuclear risk to the fear of flying versus driving. Crucially, he said, today's technology is not the technology of the 1980s. 'The flawed design of the Chernobyl plant, which lacked a containment dome, would not be licensed today. Modern reactors, and especially SMRs, are built with 'safety by design.' 'There are multiple inherent layers of safety,' Short explained, 'from the fuel rods that contain the fuel, to the vessel that surrounds it, to the safety systems that surround that, and to the containment dome that surrounds all of it.' Meanwhile, Masanori added that the smaller size of SMRs allows for 'passive safety' systems that rely on natural forces like gravity and convection to cool the reactor, rather than active systems that require pumps and motors. 'Because an SMR is small, passive safety can be realised, which means the possibility of an accident is significantly lower,' he says. This enhanced safety profile allows for smaller emergency planning zones, making it feasible to co-locate SMRs with industrial facilities or closer to population centers. Guidroz emphasised the need to build a robust global ecosystem of partners, from uranium suppliers to construction firms. But perhaps the most critical components are human: public acceptance and international collaboration. 'You cannot push a string; one must pull a string,' says Professor Short, arguing that the best way to build public trust is not to force a solution, but to make information freely and widely available, allowing people to 'verify for yourself.' This spirit of openness extends to regulation. Panelists unanimously called for greater international cooperation. King Lee highlights the inefficiency of the current system, where reactor designs must be re-certified and altered for each country. He advocates for a common regulatory framework to streamline deployment. Professor Short adds a crucial caveat: these regulatory bodies must be fiercely independent and shielded from political interference. Ultimately, the message from across the industry is one of partnership. From Japanese and American firms collaborating on new designs to the call for a unified approach among ASEAN nations, the path forward is collective. 'We need an ecosystem of partners,' Guidroz concluded. 'None of this stuff works unless we have fuel. So we need a robust supply chain, partnerships for global deployment to be in the remit.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
12-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Dabaa: A flagship national project - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt and Russia are working closely together to construct the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, a major national project. During his participation in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Russian capital Moscow last month, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss relations between the two countries. According to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed Al-Shennawi, a large part of the discussion highlighted the significant progress being made in the construction of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the northwest of Egypt, a project being developed in cooperation with Russia. 'The two leaders stressed that the Dabaa project is the cornerstone of the strategic relationship between the two countries,' Al-Shennawi said. President El-Sisi emphasised the importance of implementing the Dabaa project on schedule, considering it to be the largest Russian-Egyptian cooperation project since the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. For his part, President Putin said that the Dabaa project will significantly contribute to developing the Egyptian economy, strengthen the country's energy base, and demonstrate Russia's advanced nuclear technology. El-Sisi and Putin's discussion of the Dabaa project came while senior Egyptian and Russian officials have been holding intensive meetings in Moscow and Cairo in recent weeks to ensure the project goes as planned. In Moscow two months ago, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat met with Alexey Likhachev, director-general of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, which is constructing the Dabaa NPP. El-Sisi met this week with Likhachev in Alamein city. The meeting, the presidential spokesman said, meant at signing an agreement between Egypt and Russia on the building of the Dabaa NPP and related civil defence mechansims, as well as deals on electricty generation. Esmat said the construction of the Dabaa project is moving at a steady pace and that there is close coordination between Egyptian and Russian officials and technicians to ensure it goes according to the predetermined schedule and guarantee the success of Egypt's first nuclear power station. According to a statement from the Electricity Ministry, Esmat's meeting with Likhachev reflected the continuous coordination and strong cooperation between the Egyptian and Russian teams, aimed at achieving shared objectives. 'It aligns with Egypt's national strategy to develop the nuclear energy sector as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 and broader development agenda, focusing on sustainable and clean energy sources,' the statement said. Esmat reaffirmed that the Dabaa project enjoyed consistent support from Egypt's political leadership, as it would contribute to meeting the country's rising demand for clean electricity, enhance energy security, and support national development goals. He highlighted that the project exemplifies the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia and serves as a major component of Egypt's peaceful nuclear energy programme. More than 20 per cent of the Dabaa project has been completed so far, he added. The statement indicated that the meeting between Esmat and Likhachev addressed preparations for the delivery and integration of key electrical equipment, including major transformers, into the national grid. Emphasis was also placed on intensifying training programmes to prepare qualified personnel for the plant's operation, alongside measures to accelerate the project's execution. The meeting also covered the progress achieved in engineering, technical, and administrative areas and in capacity-building, with both sides confirming that work is proceeding on schedule and stressing the importance of maintaining regular joint meetings and mutual visits to monitor developments. The minister underlined the importance of diversified energy sources and clean, renewable power to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. He emphasised the state's focus on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy as part of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development and improved energy infrastructure. 'The supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] was a necessary step before we began the actual construction of the first reactor on the ground,' he said. Likhachev hailed the Dabaa project as the 'flagship of Egyptian-Russian cooperation'. 'This project will help to increase Egypt's GDP by more than one per cent,' Likhachev said, noting that 'over 16,000 workers are working every day on the construction of the Dabaa plant.' He indicated that Rosatom has partnered with over 90 companies from Egypt for the construction of the plant, with 285 contracts worth over $1.2 billion. Likhachev also indicated that the ongoing construction of the plant means that Egypt has joined the world's nuclear club. 'The construction of this plant will allow Egypt to reach a new level of technology and industrial and educational development. The plant will be the largest project of Russian nuclear cooperation in Africa and the largest in Egypt since the giant Aswan High Dam project,' he said. 'Having their own nuclear energy industry has been a dream for the Egyptian people for more than half a century, and it is a great honour for Rosatom to make this dream come true.' Sherif Helmi, chair of Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority, the owner and operator of the Dabaa NPP, also held an important meeting last month with Andrey Petrov, president of the Russian Company Atomstroyexport, the general contractor for the Dabaa NPP. The meeting, attended by senior Egyptian and Russian officials overseeing the Dabaa NPP, discussed the latest developments and progress in this vital strategic project. The discussion focused on the importance of enhancing joint coordination and monitoring the progress of work to ensure its implementation according to the specified timetables. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed in detail progress on the various engineering, technical, and administrative aspects of the project in addition to reviewing future plans and targets for achieving its main phases. Helmi and Petrov affirmed their joint commitment to completing all the work within the scheduled deadlines and emphasised the need to enhance close cooperation and overcome any obstacles to ensure efficient and effective progress. THE DABAA PLANT: The Dabaa NPP is under construction in the Matrouh governorate on the Mediterranean coast 170 km west of Alexandria and 320 km northwest of Cairo. Rosatom is the developer of the $30 billion nuclear power plant, which will be owned and operated by Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA). Dabaa is Rosatom's first major nuclear power project in Africa. It will comprise four pressurised water reactors (PWRs) with a total capacity of 4800 MW, which is expected to account for up to 10 per cent of Egypt's power generation capacity. Approval for the plant was obtained from the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) in March 2019, while the construction permit for the first unit of the plant was issued in June 2022. Rosatom started the construction of units one and two in July and November 2022, followed by the pouring of the first concrete for unit three in May 2023. In January 2024, Al-Sisi and Putin joined together via video conference to watch the pouring of the first concrete for the foundation of the fourth and final power unit of the Dabaa project. El-Sisi said 'this is a historic moment that will forever remain engraved in the history and memory of our nation.' He hailed the project as bearing witness to strong Egyptian-Russia cooperation and an additional milestone to those already achieved throughout history. El-Sisi said the Dabaa plant is progressing at a faster pace than planned, reflecting the importance that the Egyptian state attaches to the energy sector as a fundamental driver of economic growth. The four nuclear reactors at the plant are capable of producing 1200 MW each. They use the innovative GEN III+ design, standard technology used today in generating nuclear power around the world. The first unit is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026, while the commissioning of the remaining three reactors is scheduled for 2029. The Dabaa plant will meet the highest safety standards in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations. The plant will be able to withstand earthquakes of up to an intensity of 9 on the Richter Scale, airplane crashes, explosions, and even tsunamis. Helmi indicated that 'the design lifetime of the plant will be 60 years.' It is expected to generate up to 37 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting around 10 per cent of Egypt's total electricity demand. Plans to construct a nuclear power plant in Egypt were first proposed in 1954, but at the time the country lacked the financial resources necessary to turn this dream into reality. In 1956, Egypt decided to establish the Inshas Nuclear Research Reactor, which was imported from Russia for use in research and studies. This was a Light Water Tank (WWR) type reactor (Light Water Neutron Cooling and Moderation) with a capacity of 2 Megawatts, including an initial fuel load of 3.2 kg of 10 per cent enriched U235 uranium. The reactor is owned and operated by the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), headquartered at the Nuclear Research Centre in Inshas some 40 km northeast of Cairo. The Inshas project came in response to Israel's decision to build a nuclear complex — the Dimona project — in cooperation with France in the mid-1950s. In 1983, Egypt began to revive its nuclear power programme, and the Dabaa site on the Mediterranean coast was selected to host the first nuclear plant. The plan was aborted following the 1986 Chernobyl accident in Ukraine, however. In April 2013, Egypt approached Russia to renew its nuclear cooperation agreement, focusing on the construction of a nuclear power plant at Dabaa. In February 2015, a further agreement was signed between Rosatom and the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, in which they 'agreed to launch detailed discussions on the prospective project'. At that time, President Putin visited Egypt and he and President El-Sisi signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on nuclear power. 'If the final decisions are made, they will relate not only to the construction of a nuclear power plant, but also to the creation of a whole new nuclear power industry in Egypt,' Putin said at a press conference in Cairo. According to reports, the Dabaa NPP will cost around $30 billion. It is being financed through a $25 billion loan extended by Russia to Egypt under a financing agreement signed between the Ministry of Finance of Egypt and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. In November 2015, an intergovernmental agreement was signed with Russia to build and operate the four reactors, including fuel supply, used fuel, training and the development of regulatory infrastructure. A financing agreement for a Russian state export loan was signed, covering 85 per cent of the cost, with repayments to be made over 22 years in 43 equal semi-annual installments (the first installment is due on 15 October 2029). Egypt can repay Russia in either US dollars or in Egyptian pounds and will pay an interest rate of three per cent. Putin has recently approved an amendment to the Dabaa NPP loan that allows Egypt to pay the installments in Russian rubles instead of the currencies agreed on in the original agreement. In May 2017, the gannounced that the loan was for $25 billion and would cover 85 per cent of the cost of the four 1200 MW units, with Egypt committed to raising the remaining 15 per cent ($5 billion) for construction costs, the import of specialised equipment, and technical and managerial expertise. The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy stated in 2020 that 'Egypt will pay its 15 per cent of the costs by selling the energy generated from the nuclear reactors at the plant.' 'This project will not be costing Egypt anything' as a result, said Egypt's former electricity minister Mohamed Shakir, noting that the price of electricity produced by nuclear power is much lower than that produced by natural gas. In April 2019, the NPPA received approval for the Dabaa site from the Egyptian Nuclear Regulation and Radiological Authority (ENRRA). In December 2019, the NPPA signed a further contract with engineering company Worley Ltd to serve as a consultant for the Dabaa project to 2030, providing technical support for the NPPA's design review, project management, procurement, construction management, training, procedure development, quality assurance, and the commissioning of the plant. The Covid-19 pandemic in February 2021 led to the slowing down of the implementation of the Dabaa project. In July 2022, however, work resumed at full capacity and construction permits from ENRRA for units one and two were issued. In March and August 2023, ENRRA issued a construction licence for units three and four. The first concrete for unit four was poured in January 2024. * A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Morocco World
11-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Israeli-Affiliated Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Reportedly Treating Iranian IRGC Fighters
A Moscow-based branch of Israel's Hadassah Medical Center is allegedly providing medical care to injured members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including personnel from Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a source familiar with the situation. These fighters were reportedly wounded in recent airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States. The source claims that at least eight IRGC members, among them two senior commanders, are currently being treated at Hadassah Medical Moscow. Additional patients from Iran are expected to arrive following the resumption of direct flights between Tehran and Moscow. Scrutiny and harsh criticism The revelations have intensified scrutiny of Hadassah Medical Moscow, which was established in 2018 with a $15 million investment and operates in partnership with Russian authorities and the state-owned nuclear agency, Rosatom. While Hadassah is one of Israel's most respected healthcare institutions—serving over a million patients annually—the Moscow branch's patient roster has drawn criticism within Israel. In 2023, reports emerged that the clinic had treated injured members of Hamas and Hezbollah, including a close associate of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, prompting backlash from Israeli lawmakers. Some called for the closure of the Moscow facility, condemning its activities as a betrayal of Israeli and Western values. Despite the controversy, the clinic's operations have expanded. Since October 2024, over 40 Israeli doctors have reportedly been sent to support the Moscow branch. Unconfirmed reports suggest Rosatom has taken a financial stake in the clinic, possibly explaining why Iranian nuclear personnel have also received treatment there. Hadassah Medical Moscow has also allegedly provided medical services to exiled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma. A separate team of Israeli oncologists is said to have performed examinations at their hotel in Moscow, although these doctors were not directly affiliated with the clinic. More covert dealings There are also unverified claims that the same medical team consulted with senior Turkish embassy officials in Moscow. The clinic's readiness to treat figures aligned with groups hostile to Israel has drawn ridicule across parts of the Arab world. Some regional commentators suggest this practice reflects a consistent policy by both the clinic and its Russian backers. According to Iranian media, more than 600 people were killed and over 3,000 wounded during a 12-day Israeli campaign targeting Iranian sites earlier this month.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, Russia ink supplementary deals to advance El Dabaa nuclear project
Arab Finance: Egypt and Russia have signed a protocol supplementing their intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, alongside a supplementary contract for the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, as per a statement. The supplementary protocol and contract are part of the broader timeline and work program for El Dabaa and reinforce both countries' commitment to completing the plant in accordance with the approved implementation stages. Egyptian Minister of Electricity Mahmoud Esmat and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev also witnessed the signing of the supplementary annex to the contract for the construction and operation of the plant. Esmat highlighted that the partnership reflects the strong political will between Egypt and Russia, as well as mutual commitment to accelerate the implementation of Egypt's national nuclear power project. He said the agreements represent a significant step toward completing El Dabaa and align with the objectives of Egypt's updated National Energy Strategy 2040, which focuses on a balanced, sustainable energy mix and increased reliance on clean electricity. Rosatom's Likhachev described the deal as part of the ongoing strategic partnership and stressed Russia's commitment to completing the El Dabaa mega project on schedule. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
