Egypt could build 4,000-6,000MW of nuclear capacity, although any decisions will be taken at the highest political level, according to Mohamed Salah el-Sobki, executive chairman of the National Renewable Energy Authority (NREA).

The El-Dabaa site was long ago selected as the location for a nuclear power plant, with a maximum potential capacity of 4,000MW.

No company has yet been selected to build the plant, which will take up to 10 years to complete.

Up to five other sites are under consideration, including one in southeast Egypt, El-Sobki said on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi.

As well as several renewables programmes, Egypt is also studying coal generation, with a target of 20 gigawatts (GW).

Two coal power plant proposals are currently in the study phase. The UAE’s Al-Nowais Investments is considering a 3,960MW plant in the Sinai, while the local Orascom Construction together with Abu Dhabi’s Ipic are studying a 3,000MW plant.

“Egypt needs to look at any and every source of energy,” said El-Sobki. “Nuclear is a serious option as part of the generation expansion plan, if we can fulfil all the safety requirements.”

Egypt postponed its nuclear power programme in 2013.