El-Sisi: Peaceful nuclear program revival reinforces Egypt’s position as regional energy hub

CAIRO – 19 November 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Wednesday that reviving Egypt’s peaceful nuclear program is a strategic decision that strengthens the country’s role as a regional energy hub, especially amid global fuel price rise and repeated energy crises.

El-Sisi made the remarks as he and Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed via videoconference the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the first unit of El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, Egypt’s first NPP.

El-Sisi stressed that the nation’s nuclear energy program ensures securing sustainable, safe, and clean power sources in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The project reflects a genuine investment in Egyptian human capital, El-Sisi emphasized, encompassing extensive cooperation in training and technology transfer.

The president highlighted that the project is also creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities and paving the way for the preparation of a new generation of Egyptian specialists in nuclear energy and heavy industry.

Today’s milestone coincides with Egypt’s fifth annual anniversary of Nuclear Energy Day celebrated annually on November 19.

It represents a key stage in the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power facility, which aims to generate electricity safely and sustainably.

The reactor pressure vessel is a central safety component of any nuclear plant, containing the nuclear fuel and coolant and providing a robust barrier designed to withstand high temperatures, pressure, and other operational stresses.

What to Know about Egypt’s First NPP

Situated in northern Egypt, El Dabaa plant is being developed by the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) and operated by Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA).

It will feature four Generation III+ VVER‑1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 4.8 gigawatts, contributing significantly to Egypt’s energy mix and supporting the country’s transition to clean power.

The El Dabaa NPP represents the largest project in Russian-Egyptian cooperation since the construction of the Aswan High Dam, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector.

Rosatom is providing comprehensive support, including the construction of the plant, long-term supply of nuclear fuel, and assistance with staff training and operational management for the first decade of the plant’s operation.

Construction of the first two units began in July and November 2022, with the first concrete for the third unit poured in May 2023.

Thousands of workers are currently involved in the project, which is the largest nuclear construction effort in Africa and one of the biggest globally, alongside Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.