We sat down with Rosatom Egypt Country Director Murad Aslanov (LinkedIn) on the sidelines of this year’s TransMEA to discuss the latest on the Dabaa nuclear plant and, more broadly, the company’s operations. As the Russian state nuclear developer pushed ahead with the 4.8 GW Dabaa nuclear power plant — and looks to widen its footprint in Egypt — we got Aslanov’s take on the project’s latest milestones, Rosatom’s localization push, and how the company is positioning itself across Egypt’s broader energy and industrial landscape.

SPEAKING OF- The Electricity Ministry and Rosatom signed the purchase order for nuclear supply order yesterday as per the contract for the power plant, coinciding with the installation of the pressure vessel for the plant’s first unit. The event also witnessed the signature of another agreement between Rosatom and the Electricity Ministry for a Comprehensive Cooperation Program to establish a long-term strategic framework that strengthens cooperation between Russia and Egypt, focusing on technology localization, knowledge transfer, and the development of industrial, and scientific capabilities across multiple sectors.

BACKGROUND- Rosatom was contracted in 2015 to handle the construction and provide fuel for Dabaa, Egypt’s first nuclear power plant. The company broke ground on the USD 28.8 bn project in the summer of 2022. It also inked a protocol with the Electricity Ministry earlier this year complementing the intergovernmental nuclear cooperation agreement, alongside a supplementary contract. Dabaa will include four 1.2-GW reactors and is set to come online at the beginning of the next decade.

Edited excerpts from our conversation:

EnterpriseAM: What is the latest on El Dabaa?

Murad Aslanov: We celebrated the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for power unit one yesterday, coinciding with Egyptian Nuclear Power Day.

Egyptian specialists will operate the power plant, with technology transfer and training ensuring long-term local capability. The facility is designed for an initial 60-year lifespan, extendable if needed. Training programs are also being offered to Egyptian construction companies through dedicated centers. Our contract for Dabaa also includes nuclear fuel management, as well as training of personnel and maintenance of the nuclear power plant.

According to our estimates, the project will account for around 10% of Egypt’s energy mix, contributing to both the national economy and regional development, particularly in Matrouh province and the booming North Coast. Another key impact lies in workforce development, building the foundation for further development of Egyptian nuclear capabilities that can be used domestically and in export markets.

EnterpriseAM: What's been the biggest challenge in delivering Egypt's first nuclear project?

MA: Well, I wouldn't say that we had a challenge because of Egypt, per se. It might all be thanks to the fact that the nuclear industry in Egypt is not premature. It goes back to the 60s of the last century, and we know that Egypt used to have, in collaboration with Soviet specialists, its own research reactor in Inshas.

EnterpriseAM: How does Rosatom define localization in Egypt?

MA: We have a minimum level of localization designed for every power unit. It starts at the minimum level of 20% for the power unit number one, then 35% for power unit number four. Among our largest local partners are Hassan Allam, Petrojet, and Arab Contractors.

There is also a dedicated joint committee for localization that is created and headed by the Electricity Ministry and managed by the Nuclear Power Plants Authority so that local subcontractors or local contractors can register and undergo the audit to ensure they comply with the necessary standards and requirements, and then they are free to join the project.

We also try to be transparent through our tendering portal — Zakupki — where tender documentation is uploaded, so any company can see what is needed and prepare proposals accordingly. Requirements are specified, and we also arrange seminars and forums for Dabaa suppliers to share knowledge. The tender portal is for all Rosatom tenders, not only Dabaa, and Egyptian companies can participate freely.

EnterpriseAM: What about renewables or battery energy storage systems? Any plans for that here in Egypt?

MA: Definitely. Egypt is a global leader in energy transition with a strategic goal of increasing green energy in its mix. Ensuring grid stability is key, and energy storage systems — batteries used as reserve sources — provide solutions, especially in regions where networks are still developing.

Egypt is also entering the era of electric mobility, where the same battery technologies apply. This creates huge potential for Egypt as both a market and a hub for neighboring countries. With synergy between Rosatom and local partners, strong results can be achieved.

EnterpriseAM: Can we go deeper into Rosatom’s non-nuclear and non-energy portfolios?

MA:Rosatom businesses are divided into four units: nuclear energy solutions, nuclear non-energy solutions such as nuclear medicine and isotope production, non-nuclear energy solutions including renewables like wind and energy storage systems, and non-nuclear non-energy solutions.

While nuclear energy remains the core, Rosatom continues to expand its presence so it is associated not only with “atom” but also with excellence across other industries.

One of the first non-nuclear non-energy products that entered the Egyptian market is our nitric oxide generator, Tianox — a medical device currently undergoing clinical trials in Egyptian hospitals to receive local registration certificates. It helps with different diseases, mostly lung diseases.

We are also considering opportunities in additive manufacturing — 3D printing. Rosatom has a full-cycle solution, producing metal powder, polymers, plastic, and in-house developed equipment, including different kinds of 3D printers for industrial uses. If there is a spare part or a complicated element needed, we take the design and print it. 3D printing is cost-effective, minimizes production time, and is especially useful for prototyping to test parts before serial production.

This solution might be a good fit for countries that prioritize their technological sovereignty and that prioritize localization. Rather than over relying on imports of spare parts, it's better to have some in-house solutions that can help you avoid price fluctuation or any delay or disruption of your supply chain. We are offering the integrated approach — not only offering equipment, but also the training, and the full technical support so that Egypt can develop its own additive manufacturing and the capabilities of engineers who are going to operate this technology in the future.

EnterpriseAM: Looking ahead, where do you see room for Rosatom to grow in Egypt?

MA:Rosatom is capable of going in parallel in every direction, not prioritizing one segment at the expense of another. Rosatom has more than 450k employees, so we have enough teams to pursue all these aspirations. If Rosatom is doing Dabaa, we can still work in parallel, given there’s tangible interest from the Egyptian side.

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