A fierce race has emerged recently among the world great powers to win the construction of electro-nuclear plants. The conflict coincided with the boom witnessed by the construction of these plants all over the world, especially the increasing demand for clean and cheap energy.
Russia is considered the world pioneer in terms of foreign nuclear projects, with 41 nuclear power plants in 11 countries around the world, and the first in uranium enrichment with 35% of the global market. It has successfully operated the world's first 3rd generation VVER-1200 reactor at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant.
Despite all these Russian successes, doubts and fears are being raised from time to time about the nuclear safety of Russian plants, foremost of which, the re-embodiment of "Chernobyl” nuclear disaster, which took place 33 years ago in the Ukrainian city of Pripyat during the soviet era, in a short film produced by a US production company.
The American film has rekindled global concerns and fears, especially among the Egyptians who are expecting to build their first nuclear power reactor in Dabaa city, in cooperation with Russia.
In this regard, Sada ElBalad English website “See” reporter Amr Galal interviewed Alexander Voronkov, Director General of Rosatom Middle East and North Africa.
Russian nuclear firm "Rosatom" is responsible for the implementation of Dabaa Nuclear Power.
Here is the full excerpt of the interview:
Lately.. an American short film has been produced re-embodying “Chernobyl reactor incident, thus, raising fears among Egyptians that the disaster could be repeated... What is the probability of this happening again?
This film has raised the issue of nuclear technology safety, but at the same time, caused a new wave of rumors and myths about the incident itself and the atomic techniques in general.
Did “Chernobyl” nuclear accident represent a turning point in Russia's handling of nuclear safety?
Of course, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster is tragic, but at the same time, it is an invaluable lesson that has led us to take a different look at nuclear power plants safety.
This lesson has allowed us to reach the highest level of nuclear safety in the world.
Can you narrate to us how safety standards have been developed after Chernobyl?
After Chernobyl, the safety standards of nuclear power plants were radically revised.
The culture of safety concept has dominated the daily lives of Soviet nuclear scientists and then Russia, which permeates all stages of scientific development, design, construction, operation of nuclear power plants and training of personnel.
Suffice it to say that, recently safety systems occupy from 50% to 70% of the total cost of nuclear power plants.
In modern nuclear power plants, as well as in the majority of operating plants, a different type of reactor installation is used compared to Chernobyl nuclear power ones, which are called pressurized water reactors, yet now another advanced type of reactor is used.
What is the nature of these advanced reactors?
In Russia, these reactors are called "VVER", the same reactors to be built in the Dabaa area.
The advantage of these advanced reactors is that they provide modern nuclear power control systems with automatic error correction for any incorrect actions by inpiduals, as well as the launch of multi-level protection systems.
What safety standards would Roastom adopt in Dabaa electro-nuclear reactor?
VVER reactors using modern 3G technology will be installed at Dabaa nuclear power plant.
This system serves the most stringent safety requirements in the world and takes into account the so-called "Post-Fukushima" safety standards.
The stress tests conducted on the safety of this type of reactor proved its ability to withstand any severe external effects such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis.
The Dabaa nuclear power plant is designed and built to be the safest in the world, so the possibility of a repeat Chernobyl accident scenario is impossible.
How will Dabaa reactor nuclear wastes be disposed?
As you know, an agreement to start work on Egypt's Dabaa nuclear power plant was inked with Russia on December 11, 2017.
According to this agreement, the Russian side will build a special storage facility and provide it with containers for spent nuclear fuel storage. After that, the fuel will be recharged in special sealed containers.
These containers have high nuclear radiation protection properties, and the ability to withstand dangerous external dynamic influences, all of which ensure a safe state of spent nuclear fuel internally, hence, providing high safety degree for the environment and maintenance staff at the plant.
The technical solutions offered by Russian specialists comply with the latest modern global safety requirements and standards and are successfully applied in Russia.
Industrial construction bases at the Dabaa plant were due to be launched before the end of 2018. Why have they been delayed?
The site approval permit was received on April 2019 and work is already underway in the pre-construction preparatory stage, which includes site preparation, and activities relating to the design, completion of infrastructure facilities, and preparation of the necessary equipment to start the construction of the plant.
“Rosatom” recently organized a conference to inform Egyptian companies and contractors about the needs of the nuclear project ... Have you found the right companies and contractors?
Rosatom team is currently involved in successful negotiations with the major Egyptian companies.
We are interested in all key players in the Egyptian market, as local companies have invaluable experience in the region.
At the same time, we set no restrictions on the participation in our project - competitive procedures are transparent as much as possible and open to all.
We strongly encourage cooperation between different companies, as our firm is primarily interested in the effective implementation of the project. Thus, it will focus on competencies and the possibility of interaction between different players.
Are there any obstacles facing Dabaa nuclear plant project?
So far there is nothing hindering the implementation of the project according to the plan set, and all deadlines are respected.
When will the first four power units be launched at the nuclear plant?
The operation of the first nuclear power unit at Dabaa nuclear power plant will be completed within 7 years from the date of receipt of all permits and license documents, while the remaining units will be carried out alternately.
What is the significance of "Dabaa nuclear school" in the future operation of the electronuclear reactor?
Dabaa Nuclear School is a professional educational institution. It has been built in Matrouh governorate in the immediate vicinity of the nuclear power plant construction site, under the responsibility of the Egyptian Ministry of Education.
The school plays an important role in training young mid-level professionals to work in Egypt's first nuclear power plant after graduating.
Moreover, in 2018, the Russian nuclear energy agency Rosatom offered 50 scholarships to Egyptian students.
Contributed by Nada Mustafa
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