Egypt to Launch 4,800 MW El-Dabaa Nuclear Plant in 2026, Expands 912.5 MW Wind Capacity Amid 4.8% Growth

Egypt is advancing its energy sector with several key developments. The El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, featuring four VVER-1200 reactors and a total capacity of 4,800 MW, is scheduled to begin operations in 2026, expected to supply about 7% of the country's electricity and diversify its energy mix. Between 2015 and 2020, Egypt expanded its renewable energy capacity from 887 MW to over 3,000 MW, reflecting a focused national strategy. The Gulf of Suez II wind farm, with a capacity of 650 MW, is now the largest wind park in Africa, bringing Egypt's total wind capacity to 912.5 MW and reinforcing its position as a regional energy hub. The national electricity grid has more than doubled its capacity in less than a decade, increasing from 29,000 MW in 2014 to over 61,000 MW in 2023 to accommodate new power sources like El-Dabaa. Economically, Egypt's GDP grew by 4.8% in the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, marking its best performance in three years. This growth was driven by a 16% increase in the manufacturing sector outside of oil and a 23% rise in tourism. Industrial exports also rose by 12.7%, supporting a robust industrial rebound.