14 December ,2024:
Egypt inaugurated a $500 million solar plant in the southern city of Aswan on Saturday as part of its push to boost renewable energy production after last summer’s severe power outages.
The Abydos Solar PV Plant, which was developed by Dubai-based energy company AMEA Power, has a capacity of 500 megawatts and was completed in just 18 months.
The plant is expected to generate 1,500 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, enough to power about 300,000 households while offsetting 782,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions, according to AMEA Power.
The project is a “pivotal step in boosting the use of renewable energy in Egypt,” and part of a “national strategy aimed at reducing reliance on traditional energy sources,” Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said at the plant’s commissioning ceremony on Saturday.
The premier added that the project would also support the government’s efforts to curb summer power cuts, which have become frequent during periods of high electricity demand.
Last summer, Egypt faced daily power cuts lasting up to three hours, driven by high cooling demand as temperatures soared.
The solar plant “will accelerate Egypt’s green power strategy and help it deal with power shortages that took place over the past year,” said the chairman of AMEA Power, Hussain Al Nowais, adding that the first electricity from the plant was delivered to the national grid last week.
The project was funded by the International Finance Corporation, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Aswan, known for its year-round high solar radiation, is already home to the 1,650-megawatt Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar installations in Africa and the Middle East, which was inaugurated in 2019.
On Saturday, the Egyptian government also signed a power purchase and land agreement with AMEA Power for an additional 500-megawatt wind power project worth $600 million in Ras Shukeir, north of Hurghada in the Red Sea.
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Egypt partners with UAE’s AMEA Power to launch renewable energy projects in Aswan, Gulf of Suez – Arab News
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15 December 2024. MIGUEL HADCHITY
- $600 million investment expected to reduce carbon emissions, create job opportunities, and enhance energy security
- Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said initiative aligns with Egypt’s strategic vision to increase reliance on renewable energy
RIYADH: Egypt has signed two agreements with UAE-based AMEA Power to develop a 500-megawatt wind farm in the Gulf of Suez, further strengthening the nation’s renewable energy sector.
The partnership, valued at $600 million, was formalized during the inauguration of the Abydos 1 solar power plant in the southern city of Aswan.
The agreements highlight Egypt’s commitment to diversifying the sector and advancing its national renewable energy strategy, according to a statement from the Cabinet.
The new wind project in the Gulf of Suez, located at the northern end of the Red Sea, will contribute 500 MW to Egypt’s energy grid, supporting the country’s goal of generating 42 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The $600 million investment is expected to reduce carbon emissions, create employment opportunities, and enhance Egypt’s energy security.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the initiative aligns with Egypt’s strategic vision to increase reliance on renewable energy.
He also said that enhancing the role of renewable sources in the country’s energy mix is a national priority, particularly given the nation’s abundant natural resources, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for international investments and advancing sustainable development.
Inauguration of the Abydos 1 Solar Plant
The ceremony marked the launch of the Abydos 1 solar power plant in the Kom Ombo desert region of Aswan. Developed by AMEA Power, the solar facility is expected to significantly enhance Egypt’s renewable energy output.
The Cabinet said the project is part of a broader effort to stabilize the national electricity grid, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and minimize power outages.
Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat praised the Abydos 1 project, saying that it reflects the country’s commitment to promoting clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to support renewable energy initiatives and attract global investment.
Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions
The signing of the agreements and the inauguration of the solar plant are integral to Egypt’s broader strategy for energy diversification.
Madbouly said the projects are crucial steps in Egypt’s journey toward becoming a regional leader in renewable energy and the government was focused on harnessing the natural potential to support its energy needs and ensure long-term sustainability.
The prime minister also acknowledged the strategic partnership with AMEA Power, praising the UAE company’s role in delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions. He expressed gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his leadership in supporting Egypt’s transition to clean energy.