US Vaalco Energy to power Egypt oil wells with solar, expand investments

US-based Vaalco Energy plans to launch a project in Egypt’s Eastern Desert to connect three oil wells and production facilities to solar power and renewable energy sources, the petroleum ministry said on Tuesday.

The announcement followed a meeting between Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy and Iman Hill, Vaalco Energy’s general manager in Egypt, who said ministry’s support and the regular settlement of dues had enabled the company to step up operations under an expansion programme launched in December.

Vaalco is also moving ahead with activities in the South Ghazalat concession in the Western Desert and plans to expand into new areas while adding young Egyptian professionals skilled in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to boost efficiency.

Badawy welcomed the company’s efforts to integrate renewables into its operations, including solar and wind, saying the shift would cut liquid fuel use, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainability. He added that Egypt’s policy of repaying arrears to foreign companies had strengthened investor confidence, encouraged fresh spending and helped raise domestic output.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser