The Parliament is moving to exempt healthcare facilities, universities, and research centers from nuclear regulatory fee hikes, as the Energy and Environment Committee granted preliminary approval to amendments to the law regulating nuclear and radiological activities. The move comes as Egypt advances the Dabaa nuclear power plant project under the supervision of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority, highlighting the need for a more agile and robust regulatory regime.

Key amendments include:

  • Exempting medical and academic institutions using x-ray equipment from fee increases, recognizing their non-commercial nature, and amending their classification as “radiological facility” under current law;
  • Raising licensing fees for nuclear projects, introducing a graded fee structure that reflects the scale and complexity of nuclear activities, based on facility size, type of activity, and radiation sources;
  • Expanding the Authority’s supervisory powers to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear energy and protect people, property, and the environment from ionizing radiation risks;
  • Granting the authority administrative seizure powers to secure the collection of its dues from regulated entities.

Why it matters: The proposed amendments strike a balance between tightening oversight of high-risk nuclear activities and easing the financial burden on vital sectors, such as healthcare, education, and scientific research, while supporting large-scale nuclear investments without compromising public services.

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