Egypt’s Sisi updated on energy sector-related projects

CAIRO - 24 November 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was briefed Sunday on the ongoing energy sector-related projects during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat, and Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawy.

President El-Sisi was also briefed on the government's action plan to meet the electricity sector's needs for petroleum products and ensure the consistent supply of gas to the national electricity grid, aiming to achieve a sustainable and stable electricity supply nationwide, while reducing losses.

Further, the president was briefed on the government's efforts to boost local petroleum production, develop newly discovered wells, and integrate them into the production system.

President El-Sisi was informed about the intensification of research and exploration activities in Egypt's land and sea, as well as progress in collaborations with international companies and local investors to increase production.

The president directed the government to intensify efforts to enhance opportunities for attracting investments to the energy sector to ensure the achievement of the sector's goals and maximize its role in national development efforts.

Additionally, the president emphasized the need to improve the management and operation of the national gas network, to ensure a sustainable supply to the national electricity grid as well as to the industrial and service sectors.

El-Sisi also instructed the government to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy projects, with the aim of diversifying energy sources and increasing the capacity of the electricity grid.

Moreover, the president called for the modernization of the grid, urging the integration of the latest technologies to enhance energy absorption and transmission, thereby improving efficiency and minimizing losses.

The meeting additionally focused on reviewing the progress of several ongoing projects, particularly the developments in the Dabaa nuclear power plant.

Given the project's critical importance to Egypt's comprehensive development, the discussions emphasized its role within the state's integrated and sustainable energy strategy, which aims to diversify energy sources and improve the quality of services for citizens.

The meeting covered the status of electrical interconnection projects between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in light of their importance in enhancing the effectiveness and stability of electrical networks, as well as utilizing available generation capacities during peak load periods.

The president stressed the importance of ensuring a swift implementation of various energy projects as key drivers of Egypt's development. He emphasized the need to adhere to the set timeline for the Dabaa nuclear power plant. The president also highlighted the importance of training and qualifying human resources for the operation and maintenance of such projects.

Regarding the electricity interconnection project with Saudi Arabia, the president directed that all aspects of this project be closely monitored. This interconnection is viewed as a benchmark for future regional projects and is a prime example of successful energy collaboration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.