23.08.10 Egypt Politics and Security Egypt ready to build first nuclear power plant

The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is expected to announce plans to construct the country's first nuclear power plant. According to the Egyptian press, Mubarak is likely to name Dabaa, located northeast of Cairo, as the site for the plant.

Earlier this month, Electricity and Energy Minister, Hassan Younes, said plans were under way to start an international bidding process to build the plant. Putting the project out to international tender should ensure that Egypt gets the best price for the construction of the station, estimated to cost around $4 billion.

The Egyptian press named French nuclear reactor maker Areva, and engineering group Alstom as the prospective companies to be involved in the project. Officials estimate the nuclear plant will increase Egypt's power capacity up to 4,000 MW by 2025.

Source: UPI

For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.