Cairo: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat held talks with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, alongside First Deputy Director General Andrey Petrov, who is also president of Atomstroyexport, to review progress in the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting discussed developments in project implementation, the status of work at all nuclear units, and timelines for completing various phases in line with the schedule for reactor commissioning and connection to the national grid, within the framework of Egypt's national energy strategy. The strategy aims to raise the share of renewable and clean energy to 45 percent by 2028, compared to 42 percent by 2030.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Electricity said the talks reviewed execution rates and completion levels for each phase against the approved timeline, as well as preparations for upcoming requirements over the next year. Discussions also covered areas of cooperation under the comprehensive agreement, including scientific and technological research, training, capacity building, and qualification of personnel to operate the plant.

Both sides underlined that sustained coordination and integration between Egyptian and Russian parties are key to advancing the project in line with its objectives. Updates were also presented on contracting and manufacturing activities related to equipment and components, including progress in local manufacturing.

The role of on-site manufacturing facilities was highlighted, particularly in producing parts of the reactor building's inner containment vessel, one of the project's most critical engineering components. Local production of several key components was also reviewed, notably connectors for the cooling system, which are being fully manufactured domestically.

The meeting further touched on the strategic importance of the project, as well as the recent visit by a delegation from the Energy Committee of the Russian State Duma, within the framework of the longstanding strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia. Esmat affirmed that the El Dabaa nuclear plant, part of Egypt's peaceful nuclear energy program, represents a key pillar of the national energy strategy aimed at increasing clean energy share and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He also stressed the project's role in ensuring the stability and continuity of the unified power grid and improving service quality, highlighting the importance of expanding training programs to prepare qualified personnel to operate the facility.