Egypt has embarked on a bold and ambitious project to build its first nuclear power plant, with the help of Russia. The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, located on the Mediterranean coast, will consist of four power units with a combined capacity of 4.8 gigawatts, enough to meet 10% of the country’s electricity demand.
The Egyptian government expects to spend $30 billion on the project, which aims to diversify the country’s energy sources, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and establish Egypt as a regional energy hub. It also reflects the growing cooperation and strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia, two countries that have historically had close ties.
A Milestone for Nuclear Fusion
On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated the construction of the fourth and final unit of the plant via video link, marking a new phase of the project that began in 2015.
“The cooperation between our two countries continues and is developing. Egypt is a close friend of ours and a strategic partner,” Putin said.
Sisi praised the project as a “historic step” that would boost Egypt’s development and create thousands of jobs. He also thanked Russia for its support and expertise in the field of nuclear energy.
The Russian state corporation Rosatom, which has extensive experience and a global reputation in nuclear technology, is building the plant. Rosatom is also providing a $25 billion loan to Egypt to cover 85% of the project’s cost, with a repayment period of 35 years.
The plant is expected to be fully operational by 2029 and will have a lifespan of 60 years, with the possibility of extension. It will also have the highest safety standards and environmental protection measures, according to Rosatom.
A Catalyst for Regional Development
The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is not only a source of clean and reliable energy, but also a catalyst for regional development and integration. Egypt plans to use the surplus electricity generated by the plant to export to neighboring countries, such as Sudan, Libya, and Jordan, and power desalination plants and industrial zones.
The countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, which have been locked in disputes over natural gas exploration and maritime boundaries, can now explore new opportunities for cooperation and dialogue through the project. Egypt, as the chair of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, has been playing a constructive role in promoting stability and cooperation in the region.
Moreover, the project enhances Egypt’s position as a key partner for Russia in the Middle East and Africa, where both countries have shared interests and influence. Egypt and Russia have been collaborating in various fields, such as trade, tourism, defense, and security, and have been coordinating their efforts to resolve regional conflicts, such as in Libya and Syria.
The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is a testament to Egypt’s nuclear dream, which dates back to the 1950s when the country’s late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser initiated a nuclear program for peaceful purposes. After decades of delays and challenges, Egypt is finally realizing its dream, with the help of its trusted friend, Russia.
The project is also a source of hope and inspiration for the Egyptian people, who have endured years of political and economic turmoil, and who aspire for a better future. The plant will not only provide them with affordable and sustainable electricity but also with a sense of pride and achievement.
As Sisi said, “This project is a message to the world that Egypt is moving forward with confident steps towards progress and development.”
Source: Reuters
