Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s landmark El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant continues to achieve major milestones, reinforcing the country’s strategic shift toward diversifying its energy sources and strengthening long-term energy security. In a newly released infographic, the Egyptian Cabinet’s Media Center highlighted the project’s progress as the nation’s first nuclear power plant for electricity generation advances confidently into its next phases.
The El-Dabaa project represents a historic step for Egypt, a culmination of decades of planning aimed at integrating peaceful nuclear energy into the national grid. The plant is positioned as a cornerstone of Egypt’s strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, meet rising electricity demand, and establish a strong presence on the global map of nuclear-powered nations.
Major Milestones in 2025
Reactor Vessel Installation – 19 November 2025
One of the most significant achievements of the year was the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 1, marking a critical stage in construction. On the same day, Egypt signed the nuclear fuel purchase order. The vessel, manufactured in Russia, had arrived at the newly built El-Dabaa specialized port on 21 October.
Earlier in the year, on 19 May 2025, construction crews successfully completed the concrete pouring for the second phase of Level 2 of the internal containment structure for Unit 2 ahead of schedule.
International Praise
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi commended Egypt’s commitment to safe and peaceful nuclear energy.
“I congratulate you on this remarkable work and your impressive efficiency,” he said, noting that Egypt’s investments represent a turning point for the nation and the world.
The Plant and Its Capabilities
The El-Dabaa plant consists of four VVER-1200 third-generation pressurized water reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, totaling 4,800 MW. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 35 billion kilowatt-hours annually.
More than 600 companies are participating in the project, with Egyptian companies representing 25 percent of the workforce. Overall, Egyptian workers account for nearly 80 percent of total employment at the site, reflecting the growing development of national expertise in nuclear technologies.
Rosatom Progress Update
Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, the project’s designer and main contractor, announced on 18 November 2025 that it had completed work on key equipment for Unit 3, including the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, and the pressurizer for Unit 2. These components are scheduled for delivery to Egypt in the first half of 2026.
A Joint Egyptian-Russian Milestone
During a ceremony held via video link to mark the installation of the Unit 1 reactor vessel, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi described the plant’s construction as “a dream that finally became a reality,” highlighting its transformative role in Egypt’s modern energy history.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Egypt’s dedication to the project and confirmed that construction had entered a crucial phase.
“We are now transitioning to key stages of technological installation, and the plant will soon be able to generate electricity needed by Egypt’s growing economy,” Putin stated.
The project is implemented under a 2015 intergovernmental agreement between Egypt and Russia, with Rosatom providing reactor fuel, technical support, and specialized training. More than 100 Egyptian students are currently studying nuclear sciences through Russian-Egyptian cooperation programs.
Looking Ahead
The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is expected to begin commercial operation of Unit 1 in the second half of 2028, with the remaining three units scheduled to enter service by 2030.
Once fully operational, the station will supply up to 37 billion kilowatt-hours annually, equivalent to roughly 10 percent of Egypt’s electricity demand, while strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth, and positioning Egypt as a regional leader in advanced energy technologies.
