Egypt inaugurates $500 million solar power plant

Egypt inaugurated a $500 million solar power plant in the southern city of Aswan on Saturday as part of its efforts to boost renewable energy production and ease electricity shortages. The Abydos solar photovoltaic plant, developed by Dubai-based AMEA Power and with a capacity of 500 megawatts, was completed in just 18 months.

It should generate 1,500 gigawatt hours of clean energy per year, enough to power around 300,000 homes, while reducing CO2 emissions by 782,300 tonnes, according to AMEA Power. The project, which was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Dutch Bank FMO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is a “essential step» in the production of renewable energies in Egypt and «part of Egypt’s national strategy to reduce its dependence on traditional energy sources“, declared the Prime Minister, Moustafa Madbouly, during the inauguration.

The project will also support the government’s efforts to reduce summer power outages, he added. These have become frequent during periods of high heat. Last summer, Egypt suffered up to three hours of heat daily due to the intensive use of air conditioners. The solar power plantwill accelerate Egypt’s green energy strategy and help it address electricity shortages that have occurred over the past yearsaid AMEA Chairman Hussain Al Nowais.

Aswan, known for its high solar radiation all year round, is already home to the Benban Solar Park (1650 megawatts), one of the largest solar installations in Africa and the Middle East, inaugurated in 2019.