Egypt is strengthening its energy transition with the inauguration of a photovoltaic solar power plant with a capacity of 500 Megawatts (MW), located in Aswan, in the south of the country. With a total cost of $500 million, this plant is part of Egypt’s national strategy aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving energy security, while combating frequent electricity shortages during the winter months. ‘summer.
The site, developed by AMEA Power, a Dubai-based company, was completed in just 18 months. It is expected to produce 1,500 gigawatt hours of clean energy each year, equivalent to the annual consumption of around 300,000 Egyptian homes. In addition to meeting the growing demand for electricity, this project also reduces CO2 emissions by 782,300 tonnes per year, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
During the inauguration, Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly stressed that this plant is an “essential step” in the development of renewable energies in Egypt. It is part of a series of measures aimed at improving green energy production in the country and reducing power cuts that have become common during periods of intense heat. Last summer, Egypt experienced daily outages lasting up to three hours, due to excessive demand, particularly due to the intensive use of air conditioners.
Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power, said the solar plant “will accelerate Egypt’s green energy strategy and help the country overcome electricity shortages.” The project benefits from international financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Dutch Bank FMO, as well as the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The Aswan region, renowned for its constant sunshine throughout the year, is already a solar energy hub, with the existence of the Benban solar park, one of the largest in Africa and the Middle East. -Orient, whose capacity reaches 1,650 megawatts, inaugurated in 2019. This new plant is therefore a significant addition to Egypt’s ongoing efforts to increase its renewable energy production.
At the same time, the Egyptian government signed an agreement with AMEA Power for a 500 megawatt wind project in Ras Shukeir, located north of Hurghada, on the Red Sea. This $600 million project is another important step towards achieving the country’s energy goals, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 42% by 2030, compared to 11.5% in 2023 .
These projects illustrate Egypt’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in clean energy production and reducing its carbon footprint, while meeting the growing energy needs of the population.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
