Written by: Basant El-Farmawy
The Official Gazette published in its latest issue a presidential decree numbered 379 of 2026, which mandates the allocation of a vast area of land located in the western North Coast region of Matrouh Governorate to the New and Renewable Energy Authority. This strategic step comes within the framework of the Egyptian state's efforts to enhance its capabilities in the field of clean energy and expand the scope of its future projects.
Expanding Green Energy Investments
The area allocated under this decree amounts to approximately 763,247 feddans, which is equivalent to nearly 3 billion and 206 million square meters. The state aims through this allocation to provide vast areas to accommodate major renewable energy projects, including wind and solar power plants, in addition to the facilities required for green hydrogen projects in which Egypt aims to lead. The North Coast region is considered of utmost importance due to its vast desert hinterland and natural capabilities that support the efficiency of electric power generation from natural sources.
Regulations for Utilizing Allocated Lands
The presidential decree included strict regulations aimed at ensuring the optimal utilization of these lands; as the second article stipulates that no contract may be concluded for the exploitation of these areas by the New and Renewable Energy Authority without obtaining direct written approval from the President of the Republic. These regulations reflect the state’s keenness to protect national real estate assets, ensure that all projects established thereon align with the comprehensive strategic vision for sustainable development, and guarantee that these lands are directed to serve the national economy in a direct and organized manner.
Importance of the Project in Enhancing Energy Security
This large area contributes to enabling the New and Renewable Energy Authority to offer new investment packages to local and international developers, which enhances Egypt’s ability to increase the percentage of renewable energy in the total energy mix. It is expected that these projects, when implemented, will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the state’s orientation towards the green economy, in addition to attracting more foreign direct investment to the desert hinterland governorates, which will create new job opportunities and drive development in the North Coast region and Matrouh in general, in accordance with the targeted development plans.
