Egypt’s Sisi pushes faster renewable rollout, more solar investment

The remarks came during a meeting with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat, and Presidential Adviser Ahmed Saad El-Shazly.

The meeting reviewed Egypt’s renewable energy strategy, including plans to increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix and strengthen the electricity grid over the coming years through to 2040.

Sisi reviewed several major projects, including the 500-megawatt Obelisk solar plant in Nagaa Hammadi, which is expected to connect to the grid this month; the 900-megawatt Ras Shukeir wind project scheduled for 2027; and the 1,700-megawatt Minya solar project.

Discussions also covered planned battery storage facilities in Minya, Alexandria, and Qena with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts.

Sisi stressed the need to accelerate implementation timelines and address challenges affecting grid stability, while maximising Egypt’s solar and wind resources.

The meeting also reviewed private-sector participation in renewable energy projects, including the 580-megawatt Gebel El-Zeit wind complex, one of the largest in Egypt and Africa, as well as efforts to expand local manufacturing linked to renewable energy projects.