Egypt is set to have a 3.2 GW hybrid wind and solar power project developed in the Suez Governorate. The project follows Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between TAQA Arabia, Voltalia, and the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, facilitated by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA).
This ambitious project represents a shift towards integrating hybrid solutions, demonstrating the potential of combining diverse renewable technologies to achieve large-scale sustainability goals.
By integrating 1.1 GW of wind power and 2.1 GW of solar energy at a single site, this becomes Egypt’s first combined renewable energy plant, setting a benchmark for future projects. Located 130 km southeast of Cairo, Zafarana’s existing 545 MW wind capacity will be retired and significantly expanded, leveraging modern hybrid technology.
READ: NNPC, Dangote seal 10-year gas deal
National energy target
A year-long assessment will be conducted to analyze wind patterns, solar radiation, environmental considerations, and bird migration to validate the project’s viability. If feasibility studies are favorable, the Zafarana hybrid plant could serve as a model for similar developments globally.
The project will boost job creation and enhance energy infrastructure. It will also contribute to Egypt’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and its national energy targets of achieving 42% renewable energy by 2035.
Egypt’s energy sector plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, and the country is working to diversify its energy mix to meet growing domestic demand and strengthen its position as a regional energy hub. The country is developing renewable energy sources like solar and wind to diversify its energy mix. In 2023, 12% of Egypt’s electricity came from clean sources, including 7% from hydro and 5% from wind and solar.
