Egypt and Italy have discussed accelerating preparations for a planned 3,000-megawatt electricity interconnection project linking Egypt with Europe through Italy.
The talks took place on Friday between Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat and Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin on the sidelines of the first session of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Higher Committee in Cairo.
The two ministers reviewed the latest developments in the interconnection project and renewable energy schemes linked to it. They also discussed ways to attract more Italian investment into Egypt’s electricity sector.
Boosting regional energy integration
Esmat said the project would support regional energy integration and enable the transfer of clean electricity across borders.
He added that the interconnection would strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub and enhance its role as a bridge for electricity exchanges between Africa and Europe.
Esmat highlighted Egypt’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and raise the share of renewable energy to 45 per cent by 2028. He also pointed to measures aimed at expanding private-sector participation in solar and wind power projects.
The minister said final technical, environmental and financial studies for the interconnection are being completed ahead of implementation.
He stressed the need to provide the necessary government support to companies working on the project.
Esmat also highlighted opportunities for wider co-operation with Italian companies in renewable energy.
These include solar and wind power, battery energy storage, technology transfer, technical training and workforce development.
For his part, the Italian official praised Egypt’s progress in the electricity sector and reaffirmed Italy’s support for the interconnection project.
Pichetto Fratin also highlighted the growing role of Italian companies in joint projects with Egypt’s electricity sector.
The interconnection is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to strengthen electricity links with neighbouring countries and connect its power grid to the European network.
The project is also expected to help Egypt maximise the value of its renewable energy resources, support clean power exports and promote local manufacturing.
