Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant, being constructed by Russia’s Rosatom, is emerging as more than a civilian energy project. According to an analysis published by Nziv, the facility could deepen Cairo’s dependence on Moscow while gradually changing the regional strategic balance.
Russia is financing approximately 85% of the project through a loan estimated at $25 billion. Moscow is also expected to supply the nuclear fuel and manage spent fuel for decades, creating a long-term relationship between Egypt and Russia. A Russian industrial zone planned near the Suez Canal could further expand Moscow’s permanent economic and strategic presence in Egypt.
The first reactor is expected to begin operating between late 2027 and mid-2028. Once fully operational, the plant could provide around 10% of Egypt’s electricity needs.
The reactors are designed for civilian power generation and are not, by themselves, evidence of a weapons program. However, the development of nuclear infrastructure, technical expertise and trained personnel could make it easier for Egypt to pursue additional nuclear capabilities in the future.