Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat discussed on Thursday with an Egyptian-UAE consortium the implementation of solar projects with a combined capacity of 1.2G gigawatts (GW) and 720 MWh (megawatt hours) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The consortium includes UAE Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Infinity Power and Hassan Allam Utilities.
The meeting falls within the framework of state’s strategy and the Ministry of Electricity’s plan to maximize the role of the renewable energy and boost its share in the energy mix through expanding clean energy projects and increasing reliance on it throughout the coming period, according to a statement issued by the ministry of Electricity on Thursday.
Esmat said the Electricity Ministry’s plan of action aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix to more than 42 percent by 2030, and 65 percent by 2040, with a view to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increase the contribution of clean energy, and preserve the environment, the statement read.
He affirmed continued support and encouragement to the private sector along with taking all necessary measures to increase its participation in various project, noting that the private sector is a partner in success that contributes to promoting local and foreign private investments in clean energy projects.
Signed in November 2024, the Two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) of the Egyptian-UAE consortium entail setting up a 900MW solar plant with BESS in Wahat, and a 300MW solar plant with BESS to be located in Benban. Once operational, these plants are expected to play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, supporting Egypt’s sustainability ambitions, and increasing the supply of clean energy in Egypt.
