El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant construction

Construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt has reached several technical and logistical milestones. In late August 2026, the Nuclear Power Plants Authority reported the successful installation of the Dry Shielding component for the project’s third unit. This component, a double-walled steel structure filled with serpentine concrete, is a critical safety element for the VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors designed to provide thermal and radiation protection.

To support the project, the Egyptian Ministry of Labor and Trist Ross Spets Gomentage announced 2,300 new job opportunities. These roles include 300 welders, 500 metal structure technicians, 500 assistant workers, 500 reinforced ironworkers, and 500 concrete workers. Salaries for these positions range from 14,250 EGP to 40,000 EGP, with benefits including meals, accommodation, and health insurance.

In late September 2026, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, met with Andrei Petrov, First Deputy Director General of Rosatom, to review progress and ensure adherence to the timeline. Recent updates confirm the successful installation of the bottom plate for the third nuclear unit, a critical component for the VVER-1200 reactor pool.

Preparations are underway for the first shipment of nuclear fuel, expected to arrive in Egypt by May 2027. The plant, comprising four 1200 MW units, is scheduled to begin operations between 2029 and 2030, aiming to generate approximately 37,843 GWh of electricity annually. Furthermore, Egypt and Russia are discussing a proposal to integrate seawater desalination technologies at the site to maximize economic and environmental benefits as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 energy strategy.