Monday, 25 May 2026
El Dabaa is the first nuclear power plant in Egypt. Credit: the State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM.
Rosatom director general to visit Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant as project advances
In a sign of the strong and enduring partnership between Egypt and Russia, Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, is set to visit the construction site of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant at El Dabaa next week.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of both countries to the success of this ambitious and strategic project, viewed as a cornerstone of Egypt’s sustainable energy future.
The high-level visit comes as Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, and Rosatom First Deputy Director General Andrey Petrov recently convened in Alamein, Egypt, to review the latest progress on the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
Senior leaders from both nations attended the meeting, reaffirming the close cooperation and shared vision at the heart of this major energy initiative.
The El Dabaa project, implemented under Egypt’s peaceful nuclear energy program, is progressing steadily, with all work streams closely monitored to ensure adherence to the planned timeline. The partners reviewed technical preparations for the arrival of critical electrical equipment and massive transformers necessary to link the plant’s output to Egypt’s unified power grid.
Dr. Esmat emphasized the importance of rigorous oversight, drawing on his recent trip to France to track the manufacturing of turbines and key electrical components. The first unit’s generator has now passed its technical tests and is scheduled for arrival at El Dabaa by the end of the year—an important milestone ensuring the project remains on track.
Human resource development is a crucial aspect of the partnership. The meeting highlighted expanded training and skill-building programs, allowing Egyptian specialists to acquire the expertise needed to safely operate and maintain a state-of-the-art nuclear facility. These programs, conducted in Egypt and abroad, further solidify the foundation for the plant’s safe and efficient operation in years to come.
Minister Esmat reiterated that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant exemplifies Egypt’s commitment to a diversified and cleaner energy mix. The project, at the heart of Egypt’s Vision 2030, addresses rising domestic electricity demand, enhances energy security, and supports broader economic and sustainable development goals. The plant stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between Egypt and Russia—a partnership rooted in decades of friendship and mutual respect.
“Clean, renewable energy sources like nuclear power are pillars of our national strategy,” Dr. Esmat stated. "El Dabaa represents not just a power plant, but a new era for Egypt, built on international cooperation, technological innovation, and the enduring bonds between our countries."
With construction proceeding according to schedule and the ongoing support from the highest levels of both governments, the El Dabaa project is poised to be a beacon of international collaboration, technological excellence, and sustainable energy for Egypt and the broader region.
Likhachev’s upcoming visit serves as a reassuring sign of progress and ongoing dedication from all involved, marking another important chapter in this remarkable bilateral endeavor.