In an event held to coincide with Egypt's 5th "Nuclear Energy Day" (November 19), Egyptian President Sisi and Russian President Putin participated virtually in the ceremony for the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the first unit of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
This article focuses on the details of the event and analyzes the future of bilateral relations.
Ceremony Proceedings
First, a promotional video about Egypt's nuclear project was screened, followed by speeches from the Director General of ROSATOM, the Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and the IAEA Director General (via video message). Subsequently, President Putin and President Sisi each delivered speeches. Following the speeches, the installation of the reactor pressure vessel commenced upon a signal given by both presidents.
Content and Significance of President Putin's Speech
President Putin praised the smooth progress of construction due to the cooperation between Egypt and Russia, emphasizing that this project will supply the electricity necessary for Egypt's economic growth. He also spoke highly of President Sisi, stating that his personal commitment was essential to the rapid progress of the project, and offered birthday wishes. Regarding bilateral relations, he touched upon deep historical ties dating back decades, such as the construction of the Aswan High Dam, and emphasized that the strategic partnership continues today through initiatives like the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and expanded trade. He also mentioned technology and safety, noting the adoption of the latest technology and environmental standards, as well as the provision of training for Egyptian staff by Russia. He further suggested potential applications of nuclear technology in medicine and agriculture. Given the immense role of the Suez Canal in global shipping, Russia's strengthening economic influence in that region will likely be perceived as a significant risk by Western nations. Russia is also developing the Northern Sea Route, and for nations dependent on shipping like Japan, the expansion of Russia's influence in global maritime logistics holds extremely significant meaning.
Egypt's Electricity Situation
Since the summer of 2023, Egypt has implemented large-scale rolling blackouts due to a surge in cooling demand caused by heatwaves combined with fuel shortages. The primary cause is that the production of "natural gas," which accounts for about 80% of domestic power generation, has decreased and can no longer keep up with domestic demand. Behind this is rapid population growth, particularly the sharp increase in urban population, while the power grid and generation capacity have not kept pace with this expansion. As a result, blackouts lasting several hours a day became normalized for a time, significantly impacting citizens' lives and economic activities. As an emergency measure, the government has been scrambling to increase LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) imports and secure gas supplies from neighboring countries (such as Israel) between 2024 and 2025.
Egypt's Energy Structure and Relations with Russia
Furthermore, the structure of the energy sector presents serious challenges. Egypt's electricity has long relied on thermal power generation using abundant domestic natural gas, but this structure is reaching its limits. Concerns over natural gas depletion are paramount; production at domestic gas fields (such as the Zohr field) is declining faster than expected, and the country is currently transitioning from a "gas exporter" to an "importer." Additionally, due to a shortage of foreign currency, relying on fuel imports is becoming increasingly difficult and risks further exacerbating Egypt's foreign currency crisis. In this context, strengthening relations with Russia is thought to aim at procuring energy cheaply from Russia, a major natural gas producer. However, Egypt has also deepened ties with the United States in recent years. Large-scale imports of Russian natural gas come with political difficulties; thus, any relaxation of US sanctions against Russia holds the potential to indirectly improve Egypt's energy situation.
References
Official Announcement by the Egyptian Government / https://www.presidency.eg/en/%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9/news19112025