Egypt Advances Toward First Nuclear Power Plant

(MENAFN) Egypt is steadily advancing toward the completion of its inaugural nuclear power facility, anticipated to be finalized by 2029, according to Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat.

In an interview with a news agency, Esmat revealed that the Egyptian government is also exploring the potential for expanding the initiative by incorporating additional nuclear reactors.

While attending World Atomic Week in Moscow, Esmat stated that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)—a collaboration between Cairo and Moscow—remains on track. The facility will feature four reactors and is being jointly financed by both nations. Esmat noted that once the initial units are operational, the authorities might evaluate the practicality of building more.

“We may consider the construction of additional units. However, first we need to finish building the initial four, which is scheduled to be completed in 2029,” he said.

The Russian state-owned energy firm Rosatom will provide nuclear fuel for the project, which commenced in 2017, for its entire operational lifespan.

Each of the four planned reactors is designed to generate 1.2 gigawatts of power.

The first unit is projected to become operational in 2028, as previously stated by Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev in a November 2024 announcement.

The agreement overseeing the nuclear endeavor outlines that Rosatom will not only handle the facility’s design and construction but will also train Egyptian staff during the first decade of operations.

Additionally, the company is tasked with building the necessary infrastructure for nuclear fuel storage.

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