Egypt and Russia are seeking to accelerate work on the El Dabaa NPP, reaffirming their commitment to keeping the project on track as part of ongoing energy cooperation between the two countries, Egyptian media reported.
During a meeting in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity & Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, emphasised the importance of enhanced coordination between Egyptian and Russian institutions to ensure the timely delivery of the project.
The discussions took place with a Russian parliamentary delegation headed by Nikolai Shulginov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Energy. Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity said the talks addressed progress at the construction site as well as broader opportunities for collaboration in clean and renewable energy sectors. Egypt’s national strategy seeks to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix to 45% by 2028.
The Russian delegation also visited the El Dabaa site, located on Egypt’s northern coast. The Russian Embassy in Cairo highlighted the project’s strategic significance and described it as a reflection of sustained bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Both sides reviewed timelines for the project’s various phases, coordination between joint teams, and preparations for transitioning between construction stages. Discussions included opportunities for further co-operation, including localising the manufacturing of electrical equipment, developing energy storage technologies, and expanding collaboration in peaceful nuclear applications under Egypt’s nuclear energy programme.
Esmat said the strong partnership between Egypt and Russia has supported progress at the El Dabaa site, highlighting the project’s importance as part of Egypt’s plan to diversify energy sources and strengthen reliance on clean energy.
Shulginov said the El Dabaa project is not only about building a nuclear power plant but also about developing advanced technology and infrastructure that will support Egypt’s economic growth and energy security.
The plant is being developed under a 2015 agreement between Egypt and Russia, with final contracts signed in 2017. The estimated cost stands at $25bn, largely financed through a Russian state loan on concessional terms. Once completed, the facility will comprise four VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts. The first unit is currently scheduled to begin operations in 2028, with the remaining units planned to come online by 2030.
