Egypt's Atomic Energy Authority is preparing a feasibility study in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian experts to determine the economic value of Egypt's Anshas nuclear reactor. A government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the study would determine whether the reactor, built in the 1960s for purposes of scientific research, should be closed down or further developed. The same source added that Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom had submitted a proposal to develop the reactor. Meanwhile, Canadian firm AECL is expected to soon present basic reactor design plans to Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younis. Younis, for his part, said his ministry was approaching prominent international companies in order to acquaint itself with the latest technologies in the nuclear field. According to Younis, Egypt's northern Dabaa region has not yet been decisively agreed upon as the site for the country's first nuclear power station. He noted that studies were still ongoing to reach a final conclusion in this respect. Younis also announced that the government planned to invite international tenders for construction of the nuclear power station in 2011. The minister went on to note that Rosatom, along with French firm Areva, had both previously provided Egypt with expertise in the field. Other international nuclear-energy companies would also provide Egypt with technical help in the coming month, he added. Younis went on to stress that Egypt planned to pursue its nuclear program transparently and would fully cooperate with the IAEA. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
