Sources from the Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) announced yesterday the return of the first team of Egyptians dispatched to Russia for nuclear training. The team received instruction in nuclear safety and technical specifications for nuclear projects. The Egyptians arriving from Russia will play an instrumental role in analyzing offers for Egypt's first nuclear project at Dabaa. Another group is expected to travel to Russia and France in the next few days for instruction in operation and maintenance of nuclear stations. This team, which includes both authority experts and fresh graduates, will help design the specifications booklet for the Dabaa tender. NPPA personnel held a meeting with officials from WorleyParsons, the advisor for Egypt's nuclear project, two days ago in an effort to speed up the completion of the steps leading up to the formal offer, according to the NPPA sources. The same sources said Egypt will make a final decision, with regards to the tender, by December. Mohamed Taha al-Qolall, head of the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), said executive regulations for the Nuclear Law will be effective this September. An authority for nuclear and radiation control will also be designated by that time. Work is currently underway to set up administrative, technical, financial and staffing structures for this new authority, according to Al-Qotall. The regulatory body, to be under the authority of the prime minister, will have an independent budget and be required to submit a periodical report on its activities. According to the new law, this authority will be the only entity responsible for supervising activities in the nuclear field, such as the granting of permits, imposition of penalties, as well as monitoring and inspection. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
