Egypt's Electricity Minister Evaluates Dabaa Nuclear Progress and SMR Collaboration with Rosatom in Russia

Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat held a high-level meeting with Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The discussions centered on reviewing the construction timelines and overall progress of the al-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, alongside exploring potential partnerships in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Throughout the talks, both leaders underscored the necessity of robust coordination between Egyptian and Russian teams to uphold the highest safety and quality benchmarks. Mahmoud Esmat pointed out the critical role that the al-Dabaa project plays in expanding Egypt’s energy portfolio, citing consistent advancements observed on-site.

In response, Alexei Likhachev assured Rosatom's dedication to meeting the established delivery schedules for the plant. He also emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation to include technology transfer and specialized training programs for Egyptian personnel tasked with running nuclear facilities.

Additionally, Mahmoud Esmat engaged with officials from a Rosatom subsidiary that focuses on SMR technology. This session allowed both parties to assess how SMR applications could benefit industrial fields, remote regions, and upcoming power grids, aligning with Egypt's broader vision for long-term energy planning contingent upon rigorous safety and economic assessments.