Nuclear Regulatory Authority affirms El Dabaa project implemented with highest international safety standards

CAIRO – 18 August 2026: Egypt’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) affirmed in a statement that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project is being implemented in accordance with the highest internationally recognized nuclear safety and security standards.

The Authority noted that the statement aligns with its commitment to transparency and public disclosure regarding the status of the project, especially following a recent press report alleging safety violations during construction.

All implementation phases are subject to rigorous oversight by ENRRA, the national regulatory body, alongside ongoing monitoring and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In this context, the Authority exercises its regulatory and oversight role over construction activities through several processes, including:

Licensing Evaluation: A thorough 18-month evaluation of licensing documents, conducted in collaboration with international experts.

Construction licensing: Issuance of the license to commence construction after verifying the structural and operational soundness of the designs.

Daily and periodic inspections: Daily on-site inspections conducted via a resident inspector system, drawing on ENRRA experts and global consultants experienced in the specific plant technology. These reviews ensure strict compliance with nuclear, occupational, health, and security standards.

Follow-Up and remediation: Prompt identification of any technical observations or non-conformances, followed by strict monitoring of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) and the Russian contractor to ensure full remediation and compliance.

Audit missions from the IAEA have commended ENRRA’s oversight role. Most recently, a June 2026 IAEA audit confirmed that Egypt possesses a comprehensive and robust regulatory framework backed by high professional competence.

The Authority reassured the public that there are no threats to the safety of the plant, citing the NPPA's stringent quality control system at the construction site. This system actively monitors deviations and enforces preventative and corrective actions. Furthermore, ENRRA confirmed full compliance with all regulatory procedures and prior approval requirements.

Finally, ENRRA reiterated that all work at the El Dabaa site remains under strict national oversight, ensuring the project adheres to IAEA guidelines and global best practices.