Egypt, Greece to prepare feasibility study for electricity linkage

CAIRO - 8 January 2023: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker told the Middle East News Agency (MENA) that Egypt and Greece are in the process of selecting an international consulting firm that would prepare a feasibility study for an intended electricity linkage between both countries.

The minister stated that the two countries can exchange electricity of around 2,000 megawatts. He added that a meeting was held with a Belgian company that owns very advanced ships specialized in installing submarine power cables at very deep distances.

Minister Shaker highlighted the European interest in electricity linkage with Egypt, which has a surplus of renewable energy, and a strong distribution grid.

With regard to electricity linkage with Saudi Arabia, the minister stated that 87 percent of the overhead power lines on Egyptian territories are finished. Those are extended between Cairo's Badr City and Sina's border town of Taba, and have a capacity of 500 kilovolts.

The minister added that the project's consultant is currently reviewing the report of the marine survey, pointing out that companies implementing of the project won a tender in 2021 and that the budget allocated is $1.8 billion.

Minister Shaker said that work has not been suspended in spite of the shortage in the supply of 60 percent of electronic components that compose 60 percent of the project. He noted that the target is finishing 1,500 megawatts in May 2025 and another 1,500 megawatts in November.