Egypt sets 5 GW renewable capacity target by 2027 in Africa energy transition roadmap

Egypt plans to add 5 gigawatts of new renewable capacity by 2027 and secure 2 GW in power purchase agreements (PPAs) within 18 months as part of a roadmap to accelerate Africa’s energy transition, Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat said Thursday.

Speaking at the 21st Congress of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA), Esmat said Egypt will also launch three pilot green economic zones and create a regional risk-mitigation mechanism with development banks to encourage private investment.

He added that Egypt has rebuilt its energy infrastructure and reformed legislation to attract capital, introducing private-to-private PPAs, streamlined licensing through a one-stop shop, and tariff frameworks balancing industrial competitiveness with household protection.

Renewable-powered economic zones are being developed in East Port Said and Upper Egypt, while smart city projects will feature decentralised generation, smart meters, demand-response systems, and green municipal bonds.

Esmat reaffirmed Egypt’s national energy strategy, under which renewable energy will make up more than 42 per cent of the power mix by 2030 and reach 65 per cent by 2040.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser