On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Egyptian and Chinese companies signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a 10-gigawatt solar energy project. The goal is to enhance Egypt’s renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
The deal, witnessed by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, was signed by Egypt’s New and Renewable Energy Authority, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, and China Electric Power Equipment & Technology Co., Ltd.
“The deal is part of a strategy to increase the capacity of renewable energy and limit the use of fossil fuels in line with the state’s sustainable development plan,” the Egyptian cabinet said in a statement.
The project, upon completion, is estimated to generate 29,784 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million metric tonnes.
The statement added that the project is part of Egypt’s Green Corridor initiative, a grid dedicated to renewable energy projects, and will save 1 billion U.S. dollars in annual costs of natural gas upon completion.
“Egypt adopts an ambitious programme for upgrading the electricity sector in different fields, including the maximisation of renewable energy use and encouraging foreign and local private sector investments,” said Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.
He stressed Egypt’s aim to achieve a 42 percent increase in electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. Shaker also commended the project, considering it a symbol of the “robust and fruitful cooperation” between Egypt and China.
