Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat said the progress achieved in the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project is the result of an ambitious national vision, strong political support, the dedicated efforts of those implementing the project and the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia.
Speaking during the ceremony marking the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second nuclear power unit at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, a number of ministers, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, and Director General of Russia's state atomic energy corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev, Esmat said Egypt's nuclear program is advancing steadily and at an accelerated pace.
He noted that the reactor pressure vessel for the first nuclear unit had recently been installed, while the second unit reached the same milestone today. The next phase, he added, will be the arrival of nuclear fuel in accordance with the project's established timetable.
Esmat said the project is being implemented through a strategic partnership built on longstanding historical ties and supported by the friendship and mutual understanding between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which helped overcome challenges and enabled Egypt to move forward with its first nuclear power plant for electricity generation under a peaceful nuclear energy program.
He stressed that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant stands as a testament to the strength and depth of relations between the Egyptian and Russian peoples. The Minister described the nuclear plant as one of the key pillars supporting the stability of Egypt's national electricity grid, saying it has provided the country with greater flexibility to harness its abundant solar and wind resources.
He added that Egypt's national energy strategy aims to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in the country's energy mix to 45 percent over the next two years, noting that recent geopolitical crises and their impact on global energy markets have underscored the foresight of Egypt's decision to invest in nuclear energy for electricity generation.
Esmat expressed pride that the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second unit coincides with the anniversary of the June 30 Revolution, which he described as a defining moment when Egyptians reclaimed their state and protected its identity. The Minister also highlighted the achievements made over the past decade, saying Egyptians united behind their leadership to overcome challenges and implement major national development projects across all sectors.
He noted that investments in the electricity sector have exceeded EGP 4.2 trillion, enabling Egypt to move from an electricity deficit to a surplus, expand exports, diversify its energy mix, increase reliance on renewable and clean energy sources and strengthen its position as a regional energy hub linking continents.
Esmat concluded by expressing his appreciation to Madbouly for his continued support and close follow-up of the implementation of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project. The Inauguration of the State Strategic Command Headquarters “The Octagon” in the New Capital