Egypt Explores Floating Nuclear Power Partnership with Russia's Rosatom

Egypt is reportedly in advanced discussions with Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, to potentially enter the floating nuclear power sector. The talks focus on the deployment and localization of floating and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), according to RT Arabic. Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev confirmed that both Moscow and Cairo are exploring collaboration opportunities on floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and compact land-based reactors. This potential venture could expand Egypt’s existing nuclear strategy, which currently centers on the land-based El-Dabaa project.

Floating nuclear power plants are compact reactor units installed on specialized vessels or offshore barges. They are designed for coastal areas and remote regions, capable of generating electricity, providing thermal energy, and supporting large-scale seawater desalination without extensive onshore infrastructure. Global interest in this technology has grown due to increasing demand for industrial electrification, large-scale desalination, and power for artificial intelligence data centers. FNPPs offer a reliable, zero-carbon energy source that is independent of weather conditions, complementing renewable energy grids.

Russia currently leads in the commercial deployment of floating nuclear technology with Rosatom’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world's first operational FNPP. This vessel, equipped with two KLT-40S reactors, produces up to 70 megawatts of electricity and provides power and heat to remote Arctic communities. Rosatom is also developing next-generation floating units featuring the advanced RITM-200 reactor series, each capable of approximately 55 megawatts, offering improved efficiency, longer operational lifespans, and simplified maintenance.

While Egypt’s primary nuclear initiative remains the $30 billion El-Dabaa plant, the discussions with Rosatom are increasingly highlighting the future deployment of RITM-200-based floating units. If these plans materialize, these mobile reactors could supply consistent power and desalinated water to coastal communities, industrial zones, deep-water ports, and major infrastructure projects along Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, thereby enhancing national energy security and supporting carbon reduction objectives.