How Egypt's electricity production rank rose from 145th to 77th?

CAIRO – 14 April 2021: In six years, Egypt has been able to jump 68 ranks in terms of electricity production from the 145th rank to the 77th, and that success is attributed to public investments directed at upgrade and expansion in the sector.

By December 17, 2020, Egypt's power generation capacity recorded 59,063 megawatts while that of the distribution networks hit 164,000 megavolt-ampere (MVA) rising by 12,560 MVA.

Speaking of 500/220 kilovolt (kV) switching substations, three of those were built in New Ismailiyah, Eastern Sohag, and October 500. In addition, an existing one in Beni Suef Industrial Zone was expanded. The total capacity of the four of them is 6,750 MVA.

As for 66/220 kV switching substations, 14 of those were introduced and expanded, while 30 11/66 kV others were built and enlarged. The total added capacity of the former is 4,280 MVA, while that of the latter is 1,530 MVA.

Regarding overhead power lines, 3,540 kilometers of high voltage lines were introduced for their total length to become 50,000 kilometers. Lines of 500 kV were extended over 2,015 kilometers; others of 220 kV were stretched over 1,200 kilometers; and, lines of 66 kV were built over 320 kilometers.

Electricity networks have been improved in 145 villages located across 11 governorates at a cost of LE95 million out of a LE175-million budget.

With regard to renewable energy, Egypt annually generates 1,385 MW of wind energy, and 1,631 MW of solar energy. Benban Solar Park alone, which entered service in 2019, generates 1,456 MW being the largest in the world.  

Further, Egypt has electricity linkage with a number of neighboring states. The linkage between Egypt and Saudi Arabia enables them to exchange 3,000 MW while the first phase of that between Egypt and Sudan has a capacity of 80 MW. The second phase would raise that capacity to 300 MW. Studies are underway to achieve linkage between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece through Crete Island.