Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi recently reviewed plans to raise the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix to 45% by 2028. This target is an increase from the previous goal of 42% by 2030. The plans were discussed during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat, and Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk.
The meeting examined progress on various projects, including the implementation of a 200-megawatt wind power plant in the Gulf of Suez. This project is part of Egypt's efforts to expand renewable electricity generation. Additionally, the ministry recently signed a contract for a new 500-kilovolt overhead transmission line. This line will carry wind-generated electricity from the Gulf of Suez to consumption centers and strengthen the national grid.
The government is also focusing on other aspects of renewable energy, such as battery storage, green hydrogen, and desalination. The meeting reviewed operational and planned renewable energy projects, as well as the expansion of battery energy storage systems. The infrastructure required to accommodate additional renewable generation was also discussed. These efforts aim to strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and cut dependence on fossil fuels.
One of the desalination projects being developed is a planned desalination complex in the Dabaa area. This complex will use advanced technologies. Other desalination projects are being developed in connection with existing power stations and in cooperation with international partners. The government is also seeking to localise the technologies and industries associated with desalination.
Al-Sisi also reviewed efforts to expand domestic manufacturing based on black sands and rare elements. He stressed the importance of converting Egypt's natural resources into higher-value industrial products rather than relying primarily on raw materials. This initiative aims to boost the country's industrial sector and create more jobs.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk presented updates on economic and fiscal developments. He discussed cooperation with international financial institutions and government efforts to reduce the debt of budgetary authorities. Al-Sisi called for coordination among state agencies to implement debt-reduction plans and achieve the government's announced targets.
The Egyptian government is working to achieve a more diversified and sustainable energy mix. This goal is crucial for strengthening energy security, reducing emissions, and cutting dependence on fossil fuels. By increasing the share of renewable energy and investing in new technologies, Egypt aims to create a more sustainable future for its energy sector.
Key points
- Egypt aims to increase renewable energy's share of its electricity mix to 45% by 2028.
- The government is investing in various renewable energy projects, including wind power, green hydrogen, and desalination.
- Al-Sisi emphasized the importance of converting Egypt's natural resources into higher-value industrial products.
