Egypt’s PM reviews new initiative to expand solar energy use in factories

Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly reviewed on Monday the final framework of the Shams Al-Sinaa (Industry’s Sun) Initiative, a government programme aimed at accelerating the adoption of renewable energy across the industrial sector through rooftop solar installations.

The initiative targets the installation of around 1,000 megawatts of solar power capacity on factories nationwide as part of Egypt’s broader efforts to support sustainable industrial growth and reduce carbon emissions.

Industry Minister Khaled Hashem said the programme is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian industry by lowering energy costs and integrating clean energy solutions into manufacturing operations.

He added that the initiative would help reduce pressure on natural gas consumption and the national electricity grid, while improving energy security for factories and enhancing export competitiveness through lower carbon emissions and cleaner supply chains.

Hashem said the programme would require approximately 7 million square metres of rooftop space across nearly 7,000 factories, representing around 10 per cent of Egypt’s industrial base. Average installed capacity is estimated at about 150 kilowatts per factory, depending on operational needs and site readiness.

Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat reviewed the project’s economic and environmental feasibility, including projected fuel savings resulting from reduced reliance on conventional energy sources.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said financing arrangements are being coordinated with relevant institutions ahead of the programme’s launch.  Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib called for broader participation from financing entities and the inclusion of factories operating in free zones and investment areas.

Madbouly directed the officials to finalise the initiative’s framework ahead of Cabinet approval and implementation.