The inner containment is an important element of a power unit, ensuring nuclear and environmental safety of a nuclear power plant.
When completed, the inner containment will be a cylindrical reinforced concrete structure with a semi-spherical dome, inside which the nuclear reactor and equipment of the NPP primary circuit will be located.
The inner containment plays a pivotal role in preventing any radioactive substances from being released into the environment.
The first tier of inner containment consists of 12 leaf-type segments, each weighing from 60 to 80 tons.
The first tier of inner containment will be installed in four stages.
On March 8, the specialists from ASE with cooperation of the engineers from NPPA installed the first three leaf-type segments. The works were preceded by concreting of the lower foundation plate.
Dr. M. Dwiddar, Project Manager of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant Project, Nuclear Power Plants Authority stated:
- we have witnessed the commencement of the installation works for the inner containment for Unit 1 as part of the ongoing progress of the construction works being carried out at the El-Dabaa NPP site in furtherance of the ongoing support and cooperation between the Nuclear Power Plants Authority, the owner entity of the nuclear power plant and the EPC contractor;
- we look forward to the successful achievement of subsequent milestones scheduled to take place later this year.
- commencement of the inner containment installation is one of the milestones scheduled in 2024 for El-Dabaa NPP construction project and a clear evidence of the rapid progress of the construction works in our first nuclear power plant project in Africa;
- implementation of these important works are a result of the coordinated teamwork between ASE and NPPA.
The NPP will consist of four power units, 1200 MW each, with generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors (pressurized water reactors).
This is the newest generation technology which has references and is already operating successfully.
There are four operational power units of this generation: two reactors at Novovoronezh NPP and two at Leningrad NPP.
Outside Russia, two power units have been put into operation at Belarus NPP.
The NPP is being constructed in accordance with the package of contracts which entered into force on December 11, 2017.
In accordance with the contractual obligations, the Russian party will not only construct the power plant but will also supply nuclear fuel for the whole life cycle of the NPP and will provide assistance to the Egyptian partners in training of the personnel and support of operation and service of the plant during the first 10 years of its operation.
Under a separate agreement, the Russian party will build a special storage and will supply containers for storing spent nuclear fuel.
