Egypt–Russia nuclear deal as Cairo expands reactor technology cooperation

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt has signed a new nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia that expands joint work on small, mobile nuclear reactors and advanced manufacturing technologies. 

The partnership marks a significant step in the country’s push to diversify its power mix and strengthen domestic industrial capacity.

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat said the deal, finalized, includes plans to manufacture transportable nuclear units capable of providing power to remote regions not connected to the national grid, enabling the operation of localized electricity networks.

Essmat added that the agreement expands technology-transfer initiatives, including advanced engineering techniques used in 3D manufacturing. 

He said Russia is also showing readiness to provide expertise in areas such as battery technology and energy-storage systems.

He added that Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization is involved in localizing nuclear-industry components, with generator manufacturing for the El Dabaa plant underway. 

All major reactor components are expected to be completed ahead of 2027, after which Russian specialists will oversee initial operations before handing full control to Egyptian engineers.

According to Essmat, power generated by the El Dabaa nuclear plant will supply roughly 12 percent of Egypt’s total electricity capacity, while saving an estimated 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually and reducing carbon emissions by about 16 million tons.

He emphasized that nuclear power will enhance Egypt’s energy security by ensuring stable output unaffected by fluctuations in renewable generation or fossil-fuel markets.