Egypt Plans to Add Two More Reactors in Phase 1 of Nuclear Plant

Egypt plans to expand its El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant by adding two more reactors, units 5 and 6, with a total output of 2.4 gigawatts (GW). The addition, called Phase V, follows four units under construction, each with 1.2 GW of capacity.

Egypt has opened discussions with Russia's state-owned nuclear company Rosatom over the proposed additional units. If an agreement is reached, a proposal will be submitted to the leadership of both countries for approval.

The existing El-Dabaa project comprises four Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors, with a combined capacity of 4.8 GW. Construction is progressing on all four units, with the first reactor expected to connect to Egypt's national grid in 2028. Nuclear fuel delivery is scheduled for 2027.

If units 5 and 6 adopt the same VVER-1200 technology, the expansion could add about 2.4 GW, potentially increasing the site's total capacity to 7.2 GW. However, the technology, financing structure, EPC arrangements and construction schedule for the additional units have yet to be confirmed.

The proposed expansion could generate future opportunities for nuclear equipment suppliers, engineering firms, civil contractors and other power-sector companies. Units 5 and 6 remain at the planning and discussion stage, with no engineering, procurement or construction (EPC) award or construction start date announced.