Egypt has cemented its status as the premier producer of solar and wind energy in the Arab world, according to a recent report by the Global Energy Monitor, placing the nation at the forefront of renewable energy development.
With a production capacity of 3.5 gigawatts, Egypt leads the index, surpassing regional counterparts such as the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, according to the report.
This milestone aligns with Egypt's ambitious plan to derive 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035, as articulated by Ayman Haiba, head of the Sustainable Energy Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce and President of Sustainable Energy Development (SEDA) Egypt. “We are determined to harness clean energy sources,” Haiba affirmed.
Egypt's renewable energy strategy aims to achieve 42% of the national electricity grid's capacity from renewables by 2035, comprising 22% from solar cells, 14% from wind energy, 4% from concentrated solar power, and 2% from hydropower, Haiba explained.
The country is actively pursuing numerous large-scale renewable energy projects, including the Khamsin Winds complex west of Sohag governorate, which comprises wind farms developed by ACWA Power, Masdar, SCATEC, and Orascom.
SCATEC is contributing to Egypt's green energy drive with a 1,000-megawatt solar power station near Naga Hammadi and plans for a 120-megawatt wind farm in Damietta to support green methanol production.
Several other companies are involved in Egypt's renewable energy development, including AlNowais Investment Company, ACWA Power, and Vestas Global, which are investing in solar and wind energy projects across the country.
Egypt has also made significant progress in the construction of the Benban solar power station, a monumental project with a planned capacity of 2,000 megawatts, with 80% of construction already completed.
Additionally, Egypt boasts operational wind farms along the Red Sea coast, with private and government ventures contributing to the nation's renewable energy portfolio.
Egypt's strides in renewable energy underscore its commitment to sustainable development and energy diversification, positioning the country as a regional leader in the transition towards clean energy solutions.
