Voltalia has partnered with TAQA Arabia and signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt's Ministry of Electricity to repower the 545MW Zafarana wind farms into a 3GW hybrid renewable energy site.
Zafarana, located 130 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is among the windiest areas in the MENA region and benefits from abundant solar potential typical of the Saharan climate. Originally commissioned two decades ago, the site's aging wind turbines are nearing the end of their operational life, prompting the development of a new strategy to maximize its renewable energy potential.
Voltalia and TAQA Arabia are combining wind and solar power to create a fully integrated green power plant on plots 5-8 of the Zafarana site. The planned facility will feature 1.1GW of wind capacity and 2.1GW of solar capacity, making it Egypt's first hybrid renewable energy project of its kind. The initial commissioning is targeted for 2028.
Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, remarked: “The signing of this agreement is a crucial step in supporting Egypt's ambitious renewable energy goals, and we are honored to work on this landmark project. Our presence in Egypt, through our project at the Benban solar complex, and our experience in hybrid wind and solar projects, such as our Serra Branca complex in Brazil, allow us to build on Zafarana's legacy with confidence to bring more clean energy to the Egyptian grid.”
The collaboration involves extensive technical and environmental studies, including assessments of wind speed, solar irradiation, bird migration patterns, and topographic conditions. This research will help optimize the site's design and ensure its sustainability.
Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, highlighted the significance of the project: “This project represents an important milestone in TAQA Arabia's commitment to advancing green energy, aligning perfectly with Egypt's national vision for sustainable development. Our ongoing partnership with Voltalia is a testament to our shared ambitions, and we look forward to extending this fruitful collaboration.”
This initiative supports Egypt's efforts to expand renewable energy development and enhance private sector participation to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, marking a major step toward achieving the nation's sustainability objectives.
