Building the Nuclear Power Infrastructure in Egypt (Abd El Hamid Abbas El Desoky Ibrahim)

Building the Nuclear Power Infrastructure in Egypt

Dr. Abd El Hamid Abbas El Desoky Ibrahim Head Sector of NPP Studies And Development Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA), Cairo, Egypt eldesoky_ab@yahoo.com International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 2nd REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY AND NUCLEAR POWER IN AFRICA CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 30 - 31 May 2011 July 1, 2011

ูก1

The Introduction of Nuclear Power • The growing demand for energy in Egypt and limited recourses of oil and natural gas mean that we must be more concerned with nuclear energy and with diversifying sources of energy.

• Egypt was one of the few developing countries that realized in the early 1960s that nuclear energy could be play an important role for electricity supply and water desalination.

٢1

The Introduction of Nuclear Power In October 2007, the strategic decision was announced to start a programme to construct a number of Nuclear Power Plants for electricity generation, based on the results of studies that he commanded the government to carry out, and the numerous contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The introduction of nuclear power plants requires a wide range if infrastructures issues to be considered.

NPPA carried out two self assessments using the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series NG-G-3.1 "Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power".

July 1, 2011 July 1, 2011

ŮŁ1

Phases of Nuclear Power Project In preparing the infrastructure to introduce nuclear power, there are several activities that need to be completed. These activities can be split into three progressive phases of development, namely [IAEA, NG-G-3.1, 2007]: Phase 1: Considerations before a decision is to launch a nuclear power programme is taken.

Phase 2: Preparatory work for the construction of a nuclear power plant after a policy decision has been taken.

Phase 3: Activities to implement a first nuclear power plant. ٤1 July 1, 2011

Milestones for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development

1st. NPP Project

Infrastructure development program

Nuclear power option included within the national energy strategy

MILESTONE 1 Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear programme

MILESTONE 3 Ready to commission and operate the first NPP

MILESTONE 2 Ready to invite bids for the first NPP

Activities to implement a first NPP PHASE 2 Preparatory work for the construction of a NPP after a policy decision has been taken PHASE Preparing for1 assuming commitmentsbefore & a Considerations obligations decision to launch a nuclear power programme is taken

Pre-project

Project decision-making Feasibility Study

Construction

Bidding process

Operation / Decommissioning Commissioning

 10 – 15 years

Infrastructure Development Program July 1, 2011

Maintenance and continuous infrastructure improvement

PHASE 3

٥1

PHASE I: BEFORE THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME A number of activities were carried out in preparation of the strategic decision, mostly through technical cooperation with the IAEA. These included: Selection and Evaluation of sites suitable for nuclear power projects, including: Updating of El-Dabaa site studies and evaluation based on the current international codes and standards.

Re-evaluation of sites previously screened out during the selection of El-Dabaa at the beginning of the 1980s Selection of additional sites. ŮŚ1 July 1, 2011

PHASE I: BEFORE THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME Carrying out the Basic Studies needed for the introduction of nuclear power, most of these were included in an earlier Feasibility Study. Therefore, emphasis was focused on updating this study.

Review the on going studies related to Energy strategies and planning.

Enhance the capabilities of the Egyptian regulatory body.

Assistance in drafting nuclear law. Review available technology. ٧1 July 1, 2011

PHASE I: BEFORE THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME Based on the results of the studies as well as other studies carried out by the government, and the numerous contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the policy decision to launch a nuclear power programme has been taken.

Several top-level committees are functioning for overseeing, monitoring progress, and coordinating different activities necessary for NP programme. These are: Supreme energy council, headed by Prime Minister, participated by relevant ministers, with staff members.

Supreme council for peaceful use of Nuclear Energy, headed by the President, participated by relevant ministers: 30 years old, with staff members reactivated.

Inter-ministerial Working Groups are formed when needed. ٨1 July 1, 2011

PHASE I: BEFORE THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME Several implementing organizations were set up (EAEA, NPPA, NMA, NCNSRC etc.). NPPA is assigned to take the major role in the nuclear energy programme implementation. Other roles such as: Emergency plan, Nuclear education, Financing, Environmental protection etc, will be assigned through Supreme Council for NE, as appropriate.

ŮŠ1 July 1, 2011

PHASE II: AFTER THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME The Strategic Decision to Introduce Nuclear Power announced by the President commanded the following: Start a programme to construct a number of Nuclear Power Plants for electricity generation, and; Start the implementation of the necessary steps to construct the first Nuclear Power Plant for electricity generation.

The legislative and structural procedures related to the nuclear energy sector were provided. These include: Re-structuring the Supreme Council for Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy to revitalize its role in developing the policies, and in approving the projects; The “nuclear law” to regulate the relationship between the various authorities involved in or related to peaceful uses of nuclear energy; Re-structure the existing concerned agencies and authorities; Enhance the nuclear regulatory body and ensure its independence. ١٠1 July 1, 2011

PHASE II: AFTER THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA), invited international eligible tenderers to submit a proposal for providing the required consulting services for execution of the first Nuclear Power Plant in the Egyptian Nuclear Program.

The scope of work included, but was not limited to the following: Sites selection and evaluation; updating El-Dabaa site studies; pre-contract activities including Technology Assessment, Quality Assurance Program, Preparation of Contract, Training and Technology Transfer to NPPA Personnel, and Financial Assessment; Consultation Services for Project implementation including construction management, field engineering , start-up and commissioning services. ŮĄŮĄ1 July 1, 2011

Towards Achieving Milestone 2

1st. NPP Project

Infrastructure development program

Nuclear power option included within the national energy strategy

July 1, 2011

1 June 2010

MILESTONE 1 Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear programme

EGYPT has selected the Australian company WorleyParsons to help develop the first nuclear power plant, the company had won Egypt's bid to be a 10-year consultant for the nuclear plant.

The first phase of the contract: PHASE Preparing for1 assuming commitmentsbefore & a Considerations obligations decision to launch a nuclear power programme is taken

Potential sites selection and evaluation; Updating El-Dabaa site investigations; Pre-contract activities and project implementation.

Pre-project Feasibility Study

 10 – 15 years

Infrastructure Development Program

١٢1

Activity Description

Act ID

2009 Q 2

Q 3

Q 4

2010 Q 1

Q 2

Q 3

Q 4

2011 Q 1

Q 2

Q 3

Q 4

2012 Q 1

Q 2

Project Management Potential Sites Selection and Evaluation RA.1.

SC.1.

RK.1.

SE0.

SP.

Regional Analysis Screening Comparison & Ranking Evaluation EIA & Application for Site Permit

Updating El Dabaa Site Studies UP.1.

SE. El1.

Updating Site Investigations Site Evaluation Report EIA & Site Approval Permit

Pre-Contract Activities Technology Assessment Development of Infrastructure Quality Assurance Program Preparation of Turnkey Contract Training &Technology Transfer Financing Assessment July 1, 2011

1 June 2010

Milestones NPPA & Bidders

First Egyptian NPP Phase 1 Milestone Workshop Rev 0 March 2010

Actual/ Forecast ١٣1

Summary ١٣

Q 3

Q 4

2013 Q 1

Q 2

Q 3

Q 4

Towards Achieving Milestone 2 INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES: National position Nuclear safety Management Funding and financing Legislative framework Safeguards

Consultant scope of work: Potential sites selection and evaluation; Updating El-Dabaa site investigations;

Regulatory framework

Pre-contract activities;

Radiation protection

Project implementation

Electrical grid Human resources development Stakeholder involvement Site and supporting facilities Environmental protection Emergency planning Security and physical protection Nuclear fuel cycle Radioactive waste Industrial involvement Procurement

٥٤1

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT 1. National Position The Nuclear Law has been completed and reviewed by all concerned Ministers and organizations, as well as, by the IAEA. The law submitted to the People's Assembly and enacted in March 2010. An independent regulatory body (RB) shall be created by the Nuclear Law to licence and regulate plant design and operation; State System of Accounting for & Control of Nuclear Materials (SSAC) has been established by a Presidential Decree No. 152 of 2006 and its executive Ministerial Decrees (No. 419, 420 and 421, 2006) concerning the Egyptian System of Accounting for & Control of Nuclear Materials. ١٥1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

2. Nuclear Safety The Nuclear Law establishes Operator/Vendor responsibilities and liabilities.

A Presidential Decree ( 2007 ) has been issued on restructuring of the Supreme Council for the Peaceful Purposes of Nuclear Energy, activating its role in policy-making and approving projects related to the programme, and extending its authority to monitor the establishment of nuclear stations and ensure their safety. ١٦1

July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

3. Management (RB): A work plan for strengthening the RB is being implemented, including preparation of the QM manual. Project management organization already exists. Strengthening is in progress to recruit necessary resources to carry out responsibilities; (NPPA): A management system shall be established with the assistance of the project consultant to carry out all responsibilities associated with site and design selection and bidding. ٥٧1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

4. Funding and Financing Implementing a sound and successful financing plan is in progress. A strong public and government policy in support of nuclear power has been created through activating the role of The Supreme Council for the Peaceful Purposes of Nuclear Energy; Developing all necessary financial plans in place (including Waste and Decommissioning) are part of the scope of services to be developed with the project consultant. ١٨1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

5. Legislative Framework The nuclear law is enacted in March 2010.

Specific legislation has been established in the nuclear law to: identify responsibility for safety, security and safeguards, specify allowable ownership of NPPs and associated rights and obligations, and provide funding for NPP programme. ١٩1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

6. Safeguards Egypt ratified the NPT in 1981 and The Safeguards agreement between Egypt and the IAEA was signed. The State System of Accounting (SSAC) has already established by a Presidential Decree and performing its function to include the activities of nuclear power plants. ٢٠1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

7. Regulatory Framework The Nuclear Law clearly establishes an independent regulatory body. The IAEA will assist self assessment processes for RB capabilities and identification of training needs.

Egypt is developing a Licensing framework with technical assistance from the IAEA, to prepare staff to undertake licensing activities.

An action plan for strengthening the Regulatory Body is being implemented to develop necessary regulations, codes & standards for all phase of project. ٢٥1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT 8. Radiation Protection The Nuclear Law specify a set of specific regulations, to international standards, required for NPP operation, transport and storage of radioactive materials and storage/disposal of wastes. Details for implementation will be prepared by regulatory body after restructuring. In the absence of national regulations, IAEA Safety Standards will be used as a basis for nuclear power regulation.

Measurements and monitoring programmes is being carried out on El-Dabaa site to establish baseline of sources and levels of background radiation and determine appropriate environmental monitoring arrangements. ٢٢1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

9. Electrical Grid Plans for grid enhancement and/or expansion to address NPP needs/capabilities are carried out.

Several studies for the electric power system have been carried out to investigate and determine the requirement of interconnection plans for the grid enhancement/ expansion including resource and funding needs; The features of the unified grid are as follows: 21.5 GW peak load, 25 GW installed capacity, 500, 220, and 132 KV Transmission system voltage levels. ٢٣1

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT 10. Human Resource Development Egypt opted for turn-key contract approach for its first nuclear power plant project. In this regard, Egypt is working in close cooperation with the IAEA and shall be working with the support of the project international Consultant to ensure that business and technical expertise would be available for site qualification, preparation of construction permit request and fuel cycle procurement and management; The IAEA is also providing technical assistance in developing local expertise to conduct training programmes for construction project management and the management system, as well as in developing plans to fully staff and train the regulatory body. ٢٤1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

11. Stakeholder Involvement The Supreme Council for the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy has been reactivated. One of its major responsibilities is to coordinate stakeholders involvement. In this regard the various organizations communicate openly and professionally, discussing and resolving problems transparently.

٢٥1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

12. Site and Supporting Facilities Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) has already got a qualified nuclear site at El-Dabaa.

However, in order to accommodate for the expected large nuclear power plants programme, NPPA has requested consultation services, to provide consulting services that include: Potential sites selection and evaluation; Updating El-Dabaa site investigations; Pre-contract activities and project implementation. ٢٦1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

13. Environmental Protection NPPA has carried out studies for local pathways and likely concentration of effluents. The Regulatory Body will issue the relevant regulations.

Local sensitivities (land, people, plants, animals) have been identified, and some measures have been practiced in El-Dabaa site.

٢٧1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

14. Emergency Planning Details of Emergency Plan arrangements have not been developed. However, part of the Nuclear Law covers those issues. It is expected that the International consultant will help in identifying a detailed approach.

٢٨1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

15. Security and Physical Protection The Nuclear Law ensures that all necessary legal instruments and arrangements would be in place.

The develop “Design Basis Threat” (DBT) and “unacceptable consequences” defined at state level have not been established yet.

Egypt in cooperation with the IAEA and the consultant will establish a programmes for selection & qualification of staff. ٢٩1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT 16. Nuclear Fuel Cycle Egypt has taken the decision to adopt an open fuel cycle for the first nuclear power plant, i.e. no reprocessing of spent fuel. A number of agreements to provide enrichment services exist since the 1980s and are still valid; NPPA developed with assistance from the IAEA and the International Consultant a fuel cycle strategy for: Purchasing the first reactor core; Number of reload cores and capacity of on-site spent fuel storage to be included in first plant contract; long-term strategy for interim spent fuel storage. ٣٠1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

17. Radioactive Waste The Nuclear Law revised and updated laws and regulations for handling low and medium level wastes. The consultant will help in assigning responsibility to follow international developments for high level waste disposal. The Consultant will also help in planning for enhancing waste disposal programmes and facilities, and will include waste volume and toxicity minimisation provisions, and adequate on-site storage, in bid specification. ูฃูก1

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT 18. Industrial Involvement Egypt intends to maximize the spin off effects of the nuclear power plants programme in modernizing Egyptian Industries and Scientific Research, through planned increase in local participation in every new plant; NPPA shall with assistance of the project Consultant: Determine which suppliers can reliably supply which components and services; Make firm, realistic decisions on national or foreign supply of items for timely construction of first plant; Highlight any proposed scope of national/local supply in bid specification. ٣٢1 July 1, 2011

THE STATUS OF PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

19. Procurement The international Consultant will assist NPPA in the development of procurement programme consistent with policy on national industrial participation.

٣٣1 July 1, 2011

CONCLUSIONS Egypt was one of the few developing countries that realized in the early 1960s that nuclear energy could be play an important role for electricity supply and water desalination.

Consideration of nuclear energy as an option for electricity generation was revived in 2006 and in October 2007 the strategic decision to start a programme to construct a number of Nuclear Power Plants for electricity generation was taken. ٣٤1 July 1, 2011

CONCLUSIONS The strategic decision triggered a number of activities including hiring an international consultant to advise the country on the needed actions to launch the first nuclear power plant, and the new comprehensive nuclear law. The self-assessment of the Egyptian infrastructure readiness indicates that Egypt is moving in the right path. ŮŁŮĽ1 July 1, 2011

Thank you for your kind attention

٣٦1 July 1, 2011