Egypt targets 29,700 MW renewable capacity by 2029

Egypt is targeting more than 29,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity by 2029, as part of plans to expand solar and wind power and increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix.

This came during a meeting on Thursday between Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat to review current and future renewable energy projects and plans.

The plans for 2026-2029 target a 144 per cent increase in solar power capacity and a 400 per cent increase in wind power capacity, Esmat said.

Egypt also aims to increase its total battery energy storage capacity to 14,320 megawatt-hours (MWh) by 2029, up from around 1,100 MWh currently.

The plans are part of Egypt’s national energy strategy, which seeks to raise the share of new and renewable energy to 45 per cent of the energy mix by 2028.

Esmat said the ministry is working to expand renewable electricity generation, energy storage, and supporting infrastructure while strengthening international partnerships in the sector.

The minister also reviewed completed, ongoing, and planned renewable energy and battery storage projects aimed at supporting the national electricity grid and increasing its capacity.

He highlighted improvements made to the electricity grid under the 2026 summer development plan, which focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving grid stability, and providing rapid solutions to emergencies and higher loads.

Esmat also said fuel consumption rates have improved significantly this year compared with 2014, reflecting higher operational efficiency.

The meeting also covered the implementation of green hydrogen and seawater desalination projects, including a planned desalination complex in the Dabaa area and other projects being developed through existing power plants in cooperation with international partners.