Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat witnessed on Thursday, May 21, 2026 the arrival ceremony of the reactor pressure vessel for the second nuclear unit at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, along with key strategic components at El Dabaa specialized seaport ahead of their installation later this year.
In a statement, the Electricity Ministry said the visit came as part of a field tour to the nuclear plant site to follow up on implementation progress and preparations for receiving nuclear equipment and components in line with the project’s timetable.
During the visit, the minister met with Egyptian and Russian work teams in the presence of Sherif Helmy and a number of officials from both sides involved in the project.
Helmy reviewed the latest developments in implementation, operational preparations, and training programs for operating crews in cooperation with the Russian side while reaffirming commitment to the project’s scheduled timeline.
Esmat also held talks with project teams from both countries and reviewed coordination and cooperation mechanisms, stressing that nuclear energy represents a key pillar in achieving Egypt Vision 2030, sustainable development goals, and meeting growing electricity demand within the framework of the state’s peaceful nuclear energy program and the national energy strategy.
He pointed out that Egypt aims to raise the share of renewable and clean energy to 45 percent of the energy mix by 2028.
The minister toured construction works at the nuclear units and the fresh nuclear fuel storage building, while also reviewing progress in civil and technical works as well as training and qualification programs for human cadres inside and outside Egypt.
He praised cooperation and integration between the Egyptian and Russian sides, describing the project as a model of strategic partnership in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Esmat underlined that the reactor pressure vessel is one of the most critical components of a nuclear power plant due to its central role in containing the reactor core and ensuring operational safety and reliability.
The visit also included reviewing procedures for handling, transporting, and unloading heavy specialized equipment at the port in accordance with the highest safety and quality standards.
The Minister stressed that the El Dabaa nuclear power project is a key pillar of Egypt’s national energy strategy aimed at increasing clean energy generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing the stability of the national power grid while supporting expansion in solar and wind energy projects.
He also highlighted the state’s interest in peaceful nuclear energy applications and localizing advanced technologies as part of sustainable development plans, praising the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia in this field.
Esmat added that the Dabaa project is proceeding according to schedule, noting the expansion of local and international training programs to prepare the human cadres needed to operate the project and highlighting the expertise gained by Egyptian companies participating in the national nuclear project.
