Egypt announces 3.2GW solar and wind power projects

Witnessed by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, the TAQA Arabia/Voltalia alliance signed an MoU with the Ministry of Electricity to build a new 3.2 GW (wind/solar) project for the Zafarana wind farm.

TAQA Arabia, Egypt’s leading private energy and utility provider, in partnership with Voltalia, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. The MoU, represented by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), aims to study and explore the development of a groundbreaking 3.2 GW (wind/solar) power plant in the Suez Governorate to power the Zafarana wind farm. Karim El Azzawy, Voltalia Country Manager for Egypt and Jordan.

Originally commissioned by the Egyptian government two decades ago, the Zafarana 545 MW wind farm is the first of its kind in the MENA region and a milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy journey. As the wind turbines are reaching the end of their lifespan, a new strategy is needed to repower the wind farm. Located 130 km southeast of Cairo, Zafarana is one of the windiest wind farms in the entire MENA region; it also enjoys excellent sunlight exposure that is unique to the Saharan climate. This strategic partnership between TAQA Arabia and Voltalia entails initial technical and environmental measurements and studies to build a fully integrated green power generation facility at Zaafrana. The plant will combine 1.1 GW of wind power and 2.1 GW of solar power, becoming the first project in Egypt to blend the two renewable energy sources. Key studies will include wind speed and direction measurements, bird migration patterns, solar radiation levels, and geotechnical, topographic and environmental assessments. This move is in line with Egypt's national commitment to expand renewable energy and promote private sector participation to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.

It is worth mentioning that this non-binding memorandum of understanding represents an initial step to assess technical and environmental feasibility, and the study is expected to be completed by December 2025. The results of the study will provide important insights for future development phases.