Egypt Receives 330 tons Reactor Pressure Vessel of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant from Russia

Egypt’s long-anticipated dream of joining the nuclear energy club has taken a major step forward. The reactor pressure vessel — often called the “heart” of a nuclear power plant — has officially arrived at the Dabaa port on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. This colossal component, weighing more than 330 tons, will serve as the containment for the reactor core, marking a decisive moment in the country’s march toward energy diversification and technological advancement.

The vessel was manufactured at the Izhora Factory, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, and is considered one of the most sophisticated pieces of nuclear engineering in the world. Its delivery is part of a comprehensive nuclear cooperation agreement signed between Egypt and Russia in 2017, under which Rosatom is responsible for constructing Egypt’s first nuclear power station.

The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, located in Matrouh Governorate approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Cairo, will include four VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors, each capable of producing 1,200 megawatts, for a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. Upon completion, the plant is expected to supply nearly 10% of Egypt’s electricity demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the country’s climate goals.

A Historic Egypt-Russia Partnership

The Dabaa project is backed by a $25 billion loan from Russia, covering 85% of the construction costs, while Egypt finances the remaining 15%. The agreement extends beyond construction, encompassing nuclear fuel supply, operational support, and personnel training. Rosatom will operate and maintain the plant for the first decade while preparing Egyptian engineers and specialists to gradually assume full responsibility. The contract also includes the safe management and return of spent fuel, ensuring environmental compliance.

Installation of the reactor pressure vessel is scheduled for mid-November, according to Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA). This stage involves precise alignment, advanced safety testing, and multi-layered inspections, conducted jointly by Russian and Egyptian engineers. Its successful positioning will signal the transition from groundwork to actual plant assembly.

Technological and Strategic Significance

The Dabaa plant will be the first nuclear power station in Egypt and the Arab world, and the second in Africa after South Africa’s Koeberg plant. The VVER-1200 design, a Generation III+ reactor, incorporates advanced passive safety systems and a lifespan of 60 years, extendable by another 20 years.

For Egypt, Dabaa represents more than just energy production. It addresses strategic objectives such as energy diversification, low-carbon power generation, and industrial growth. The project will also create thousands of jobs, foster knowledge transfer, and establish nuclear training centers, positioning Egypt as a technological and industrial leader in the region.

Economic and Regional Impact

The project strengthens Egypt’s position in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a nuclear-capable state under international safeguards. It also reflects Cairo’s long-term vision of sustainable growth and energy independence, reducing reliance on imported hydrocarbons and enhancing economic stability.

With the reactor pressure vessel now at Dabaa, the project enters a defining phase. As cranes prepare to lift this “heart” into place, Egypt edges closer to realizing a nuclear future — one that promises to reshape the nation’s industrial, technological, and energy landscape for decades to come.

This milestone underscores a strategic partnership with Russia, ensuring technical expertise, financial backing, and long-term operational support, while simultaneously signaling Egypt’s emergence as a key player in clean and sustainable energy in Africa and the Arab world.