A Solution to the Problem of Fresh Water Shortage in Egypt Using Nuclear Desalination

In this paper the possibility of integrating seawater desalination plants with VVER-1200 type reactors is studied. The study is based on a techno-economic analysis of various options for this combination using DEEP software and to optimize the results of the economic analysis, a new MATLAB code was developed. Currently, Egypt has begun the construction of El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the first nuclear power plant in Egypt to be built on the Mediterranean coast. It will consist of four power units with VVER-1200 type reactors. Energy (electrical and thermal) produced at a nuclear power plant can be used for large-scale desalination of sea water. The use of desalination plants is highly relevant for Egypt, which suffers from a lack of fresh water and at the same time has extensive coastal areas covered by sea water.