Egypt and Rosatom Consult on Expanding Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Mostafa Esmat, stated that Egypt will hold regular consultations with Russia's Rosatom on cooperation in nuclear energy and related fields, with meetings potentially taking place in either Egypt or Russia.

Esmat said he would maintain regular meetings with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev to exchange updates on the construction and commissioning progress of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant project and discuss directions for expanding cooperation. Currently, both sides are studying the possibility of adding new units at the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, constructing seawater desalination facilities, and expanding other areas of cooperation.

Following the meeting, Likhachev stated that Rosatom is in discussions with Egypt on the second-phase expansion plan for the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, namely adding Units 5 and 6 to the existing four units. The two sides have begun studying the relevant financial and economic models, and if an agreement is reached, they will report to the relevant authorities of both countries in accordance with established procedures.

According to current plans, nuclear fuel for Unit 1 of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant is scheduled for delivery in 2027. Likhachev stated that the unit is planned to be connected to the grid in 2028. Currently, all four units of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant are under simultaneous construction.

In addition to large-scale nuclear power projects, Egypt is also considering cooperation with Rosatom on floating nuclear power plants and the localization of low-power nuclear power plants. The two sides are also exploring directions for scientific research cooperation, including in the field of quantum technology.