A systematic comparative study was performed to assess the radiation doses to the Egyptian public resulting from atmospheric radioactive releases during routine operation from a proposed model coal-fired power plant and a model pressurized-water reactor (PWR), each producing 1000-MW(e), at three locations in the Suez Canal area (Port-Said, Ismailia, and Suez). The results indicate higher doses for Suez than other locations. The maximum individual doses from the coal-fired power plants for the total body and most organs are shown to be greater than those from a pressurized-water nuclear reactor.