Written by: Islam El Sakka
Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, inspected the factory of the Russian company "RENERA," which specializes in the production of lithium-ion cells and energy storage batteries, on the sidelines of his participation in the "Russia-Africa" Economic Forum as part of the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Details of the Visit and Proposed Cooperation
The Minister met with company officials, led by Anastasia Mikhailova, the General Director. Both sides discussed the production stages of lithium-ion cells and storage batteries, their uses in data centers and major industrial facilities, and the possibility of technology transfer and localizing the industry in Egypt, taking advantage of the availability of necessary raw materials.
Esmat listened to an explanation regarding the integrated factory that produces cells, modules, and stationary storage systems, starting from the preparation of the cathode and anode mixture up to the assembly of modules and batteries, and inspected the production lines, which have an automation level of 95%.
The factory's production capacity reaches 18 million battery cells, equivalent to 50,000 batteries annually, and its products are used in cars, buses, trams, electric river ships, and individual mobility devices, as well as backup power systems for industrial facilities, data centers, and hospitals.
Importance of Localizing Industry for Energy Security
The Minister of Electricity emphasized the existence of continuous communication with Russian partners to discuss prospects for cooperation in supplying energy storage systems, technology transfer, and localizing the industry, noting the mutual interest in developing battery technologies to serve the electricity sector and renewable energy projects.
He explained that localizing industry and transferring technology through partnership with the private sector represents an important axis to maximize the benefit from available resources and support the plan to transform Egypt into a regional hub for the renewable energy equipment industry, affirming the Ministry's support for these models and partnerships within the framework of the state's sustainable development plan.
He pointed out that the expansion in solar and wind energy projects, according to the National Energy Strategy, requires parallel expansion in electricity storage batteries, which contributes to enhancing grid security and ensuring the sustainability of the electricity supply.
The Minister emphasized that the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia provides opportunities for cooperation in multiple fields, including technology transfer, capacity building, and localizing industry, in a way that supports deepening local manufacturing and achieves added value for the Egyptian economy.
