Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Russia are working to accelerate construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, as both sides seek to keep the project on schedule and strengthen cooperation in the energy sector.
Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat emphasized the need for closer coordination between Egyptian and Russian institutions during a meeting with a Russian State Duma delegation on Friday.
He said the El Dabaa nuclear plant remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s peaceful nuclear energy program, designed to diversify electricity generation and strengthen long-term energy security.
The project is being built in the El Dabaa area on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast under a 2015 agreement between Cairo and Moscow. The deal is valued at about 25 billion dollars and is financed through a concessional Russian state loan. Final construction contracts were signed in 2017.
During the meeting, discussions focused on accelerating implementation, improving coordination between joint Egyptian-Russian teams, and reviewing progress across different construction phases. Officials also examined preparations for the transition between stages of the project.
The Russian delegation, led by Nikolai Shulginov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Energy, also visited the construction site. The Russian embassy in Cairo said the visit highlighted the strategic importance of the project and reflected the depth of cooperation between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Egypt’s Electricity Ministry said the talks also covered broader cooperation in clean and renewable energy, alongside updates on timelines for the plant’s construction.
The El Dabaa nuclear power plant will consist of four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts, with each reactor generating 1,200 megawatts. According to the ministry, the first reactor is expected to begin operation in 2028, with the remaining units scheduled to come online by 2030.
Officials said the project is a key part of Egypt’s strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on traditional sources, and expand the use of low-carbon energy.
Russian officials described the project as more than a power plant, saying it represents the foundation of a broader technological and industrial partnership aimed at strengthening Egypt’s long-term energy security.
The Electricity Ministry added that the project is being built using advanced engineering systems and internationally recognized safety and environmental standards.
