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Egypt installs first nuclear reactor vessel at Dabaa power plant
Egypt celebrated a significant milestone in its nuclear energy program with the installation of the first reactor pressure vessel at the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. The ceremony, attended virtually by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscored the deep strategic energy partnership between Cairo and Moscow.
The 330-tonne reactor vessel was manufactured over 41 months at Russia's Izhora plant and transported to the Dabaa site on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Standing approximately 13 meters long and 4.5 meters in diameter, this vessel forms the core component of the plant’s first reactor unit. Its installation signals the advancement of one of Africa’s most ambitious nuclear projects, which will feature four VVER-1200 reactors providing a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. Once operational, the plant is expected to supply about 10% of Egypt’s electricity needs and support the country’s economic growth.
The project is largely financed by Russia, covering 85% of the $28.75 billion cost through a long-term loan arrangement. State-owned Rosatom is the general contractor responsible for the plant’s construction, fuel supply, and operational support during the initial years. The collaboration also encompasses extensive knowledge transfer, with over 100 Egyptian students receiving nuclear training in Russian institutions.
Alongside the installation, Egypt signed an order for nuclear fuel procurement and a comprehensive cooperation agreement expanding bilateral ties beyond energy. This includes partnerships in medical isotopes production for cancer treatment, 3D printing technologies, and telecommunications.
The Dabaa project represents a cornerstone of Egypt’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify and secure energy resources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable development. The plant’s first unit is expected to become operational by late 2028, followed by the subsequent units by 2030.
The initiative also reflects broader regional shifts as neighboring countries pursue civil nuclear cooperation, highlighted recently by a Saudi-US partnership agreement. Dabaa positions Egypt as a critical player in the region’s growing interest in nuclear energy, with potential ripple effects for Africa’s energy landscape.