Egypt signs nuclear fuel deal for Dabaa plant with Russia
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Egypt signed a nuclear fuel contract and a cooperation agreement with Russia’s Rosatom for the Dabaa plant, marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy strategy.
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin is on videoconference with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in Moscow, Russia, at the Kremlin, Tuesday, January 23, 2024 (AP)
Egypt signed on Wednesday a nuclear fuel purchase order for the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, alongside a comprehensive cooperation program agreement with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, marking a major milestone in the country’s peaceful nuclear energy ambitions.
The signing ceremony took place at the Dabaa plant site and was attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, and Chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority Sherif Helmy, as well as Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Several senior officials from both countries were also present, underscoring the strategic significance of the partnership.
The announcement coincided with the installation of the reactor pressure vessel at the plant’s first power unit, an operation witnessed remotely by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin via video link.
The signing comes as Egypt celebrates its fifth annual Nuclear Energy Day, observed on November 19, highlighting progress in the nation’s transformation toward cleaner, sustainable power sources.
Strategic leap for Egypt’s energy sector
President el-Sisi emphasized the national importance of the project, describing the day as a historic moment in Egypt’s entry into the peaceful nuclear energy field.
“We are shaping the first page for our nation in this field to achieve this dream, and today we see that this dream has become a reality thanks to the efforts made and the strategic relations between Egypt and Russia,” el-Sisi said, affirming Egypt’s determination to move forward with major development projects that serve its people and ensure secure, peaceful energy supply.
Russian President Putin praised the expanding partnership between Cairo and Moscow, saying that the cooperation on Dabaa has “opened new horizons for exchanging expertise.” He noted that bilateral trade continues to grow, rising by one-third compared with last year.
Clean energy and sustainable development
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi welcomed Egypt’s progress, describing the Dabaa facility as “one of the major projects in Egypt” and affirming that the plant will deliver clean, low-emission energy. He added that Egypt’s investments in the energy sector represent a “turning point” for the country and the world.
Once fully operational, the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is expected to play a central role in Egypt’s future energy mix, supporting long-term development goals and strengthening energy security while reducing carbon emissions.
