Egypt, Russia to sign main contractor for Dhaba plant this month

Egypt and Russia will sign this month the main contracts for setting up Egypt's first nuclear plan, said Russian Ambassador here Serge V. Kirpichenko Sunday.

He said more than one Russian team came to Egypt to pick the location of the plant, which will be most probably set up on the Mediterranean.

Asked about the hazards of this plant, he said this plant has been examined by Egypt and Russia for many decades and Russia has went through many experiments while building nuclear plants which make it more experienced in this field.

He stressed that Russia has no doubts over this plant, saying Egypt is interested in diversifying sources of energy to solve its energy problems.

As part of signed agreements, the diplomat said the Russian experts will start examining the soil on which the plant will be situated to guarantee the safety of the project.

In November, Egypt and Russia signed an agreement to build a nuclear power plant in Egypt, with Russia extending a loan to Egypt to cover the cost of construction.

The plant, expected to be finalized in 2022, will consist of four third-generation reactors with the aim of generating electricity.

It will be the largest Russian-Egyptian project since the Aswan dam that was built in the 60s.

The plant will be located in Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast, west of Alexandria.

Egypt has been considering setting up a nuclear plant at Dabaa on and off since the 1980s.