Egypt and Rosatom Discuss El Dabaa Expansion and SMR Technologies

Alexei Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, met with Mahmoud Esmat, Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The meeting focused on the implementation progress of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant project, reviewing the executive status of various components and completion rates. Both parties emphasized the importance of continued coordination between Egyptian and Russian teams to ensure timely project execution, adhering to quality, safety, and nuclear standards.

Discussions included the potential expansion of the El Dabaa plant with two additional units, referred to as the fifth and sixth units. The financial and economic model for these potential units was also a topic of conversation. Rosatom has indicated that if a consensus is reached, the plans will be reported to the leadership of both countries.

The minister also met with a representative from a Rosatom-affiliated company specializing in small nuclear reactor units. This meeting addressed technological developments in SMRs and explored opportunities for cooperation and leveraging Russian expertise. Egypt expressed interest in global SMR advancements and their potential future application, aligning with the country's strategy to diversify energy sources and maximize nuclear technology for peaceful uses, pending technical and economic studies and adherence to safety and security requirements.

The El Dabaa project, located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Cairo, will be Egypt's first nuclear power plant. It will consist of four VVER-1200 units. Under the 2017 contracts, Rosatom is responsible for the plant's construction, supplying Russian nuclear fuel for its entire operational life, establishing a storage facility, and providing containers for used nuclear fuel. Rosatom will also support Egyptian partners with personnel training and plant maintenance for the first 10 years of operation. The first concrete for Unit 1 was poured in July 2022, with subsequent units following, and Unit 4's first concrete poured in January 2024. Delivery of nuclear fuel for the first power unit is scheduled for 2027, with grid connection anticipated in 2028. Egypt aims for nuclear power to generate 9% of its electricity by 2030, with the commercial operation of the first two units contributing to this goal.

Niger Reallocates Uranium Mining Permits to State-Owned Entities

Arlit Uranium Permit Awarded to TSUMCO SA

On August 21, the Council of Ministers in Niger adopted a draft decree to award a large uranium mining permit in the Arlit region to the Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA). This permit covers the "In Azaoua" area, ensuring the continuation of uranium mining operations in Niger. TSUMCO SA was established by a Council of Ministers decree in May, coinciding with the cancellation of the Arlit concession previously granted to the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 1968.

The Teloua name references the underground aquifer that supported operations at the COMINAK mine, which was run by Orano and its predecessor, Areva, from 1978 to 2021. The decree establishing TSUMCO initially provided for work to continue on the area previously exploited by SOMAÏR, pending the award of a large mining exploitation permit.

Background on Permit Revocations and Nationalization

The permit reallocation follows a series of events initiated by a military coup in July 2023, which led to Niger revoking Orano's mining permits. Orano announced in December 2024 that it had lost operational control of its mines in Niger. Subsequently, in June 2025, SOMAÏR, which was 63.4% owned by Orano and 36.6% by Niger's state mining assets company Sopamin, was nationalized. SOMAÏR, or Société des Mines de l'Aïr, was established in 1968 and operated the Arlit mine.

Madouela Project Permit Reallocated

During the same August 21 meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved a draft decree to reallocate the mining permit for the Madouela project. This permit has been assigned to the newly incorporated Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO). MAMICO is the Niger subsidiary of Australia-based Atomic Eagle, with the state of Niger holding a 40% stake in the company. The rights to the Madouela project were expropriated from the previous holder, GoviEx Uranium Inc, in 2024.

India targets domestic SCADA systems to reduce grid reliance on foreign technology by 2030

India's government is pursuing domestic development of SCADA systems—the control infrastructure that monitors and manages the national electricity grid—to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen energy security. The Central Electricity Authority has outlined a phased approach targeting completion of software and hardware development by 2028–29, with an import ban scheduled for 2030.

Current local content in grid SCADA systems remains below 20%, despite a 50% minimum requirement set by the power ministry. The roadmap identifies 38 software modules and 25 hardware components for indigenous development, with 36 software modules and 16 hardware components expected to be ready within two years.

  • Testing and certification ecosystem to be established within two years, with pilot projects at state and regional load despatch centres
  • Power System Development Fund identified as potential funding source for development and validation infrastructure
  • Institutional mechanism—either a National SCADA Mission or specialized working group—proposed to drive implementation and coordinate between government entities

Strategic rationale

Reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers creates vendor lock-in, interoperability constraints, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The report cites risks including delayed system upgrades, limited transparency in proprietary systems, and exposure to geopolitical disruptions affecting technology access and support services.