NPPA Chairman Amgad El-Wakeel received the shipment, which departed from Russia's Novorossiysk Port on 28 October, in the presence of senior officials from the Egyptian and Russian sides involved in the project.

The NPPA is preparing to authorize the Russian general contractor Atomstroyexport to begin installing the core catcher on 19 November, the fourth anniversary of Egypt’s Nuclear Energy Day.

With this installation, all four nuclear units at the Dabaa project will be equipped with core catchers, marking them as the first long-term nuclear components installed at the facility.

The core catcher, a unique safety device specifically designed for advanced third-generation reactors, takes approximately 14 months to manufacture. 

This innovative component is positioned beneath the reactor vessel. It is designed to contain molten materials in the unlikely event of a core meltdown. 

This system prevents the escape and spread of radioactive materials, thus ensuring the highest levels of safety and environmental protection at the nuclear facility.

This reactor model is already operational in other successful projects worldwide, with four similar units currently operating. 

The core catcher's installation ahead of its scheduled date in 2025 highlights Egypt's commitment to accelerating progress on this landmark energy project.

Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant
 

The Dabaa project is Egypt’s first nuclear power facility in the Mediterranean coastal city of Dabaa, approximately 300 kilometres northwest of Cairo.

It consists of four 1,200-megawatt units powered by VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors, the latest in Russian nuclear technology from the advanced third generation.

On 6 October, the core catcher for the third nuclear unit was installed.

In 2015, Egypt and Russia signed an agreement for a $25 billion state export loan to finance 85 percent of the $30 billion construction costs for the Dabaa project.

Once completed, the Dabaa project is expected to supply about 10 percent of Egypt’s energy needs, producing up to 37 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

It will significantly enhance the state's energy independence, providing a sustainable source of electricity to meet the country’s growing demand.

The first nuclear unit is scheduled to begin operations in 2028, with the remaining units following in 2030.