Written by: Salma El-Sakka
Dr. Mahmoud Essmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, confirmed that the volume of investments pumped into the electricity sector in Egypt has reached about 5 trillion pounds since 2014, as part of the state's comprehensive plan to develop energy infrastructure, enhance the stability of electricity supply, and meet the growing demand for energy.
He explained that these massive investments were distributed across thermal and renewable production sectors, the Dabaa nuclear power plant project, and the development of transmission and distribution networks, noting that the state aims to provide a stable electricity supply considering energy as a fundamental pillar of national security and sustainable economic development.
Development of Renewable Energy Capacities and Energy Mix
Total installed capacities on the electricity grid reached about 64.4 gigawatts, including 10.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, amidst ambitious plans to raise the contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix to 45% by 2028. The ministry is working on implementing new projects in cooperation with the private sector to add massive capacities of wind and solar energy and energy storage systems.
He added that the ministry's strategy has contributed to reducing fuel consumption rates and saving huge amounts of natural gas, in addition to accommodating the high loads of the unified grid and significantly improving operational efficiency compared to past years, while continuing to localize the electrical equipment industry.
Development of Transmission Networks and Upgrading Distribution Efficiency
Electricity transmission and distribution networks have witnessed unprecedented expansions since 2014, including the addition of thousands of kilometers of transmission lines and cables, and the establishment of new substation stations to increase network flexibility and accommodate newly generated capacities. Efforts also included developing customer service centers and expanding pre-paid meters to improve the level of services provided to citizens.
The Minister of Electricity emphasized that there is no intention to return to the load-shedding system, stressing the readiness of production stations to deal with various conditions and secure the country's energy needs across various economic, industrial, and residential sectors in light of ongoing strategic plans.
