Egypt prioritizes power grid modernization, renewable energy expansion: Electricity Minister

Cairo – December 22, 2024: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, emphasized that providing high-quality, stable, and continuous electricity, along with supporting the development and modernization of the electricity transmission network, is a key priority for Egypt’s energy sector.

He further explained that ongoing efforts to upgrade the grid are essential for absorbing additional capacities from renewable energy sources, ensuring efficient energy transmission, and reducing fuel consumption.

Esmat outlined the Ministry’s strategy for energy transformation, which includes expanding renewable energy projects, increasing reliance on these sources, and maintaining environmental protection. The Ministry is working in parallel with a comprehensive plan to enhance the performance of the electricity grid, improving operational efficiency, and cutting down on fuel consumption.

Esmat’s statements came during his chairmanship of the General Assembly of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, where the company’s activities for the fiscal year 2023/2024 were reviewed. The meeting, held at the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, was attended by Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation.

During the meeting, Mona Rizk, Chairwoman of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, highlighted that the company is on track to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets. The total capacity of renewable energy projects in operation, under construction, or in the final stages of contracting is estimated at approximately 22.8 gigawatts.

This includes wind, solar, and hydroelectric power projects, as well as storage battery initiatives aimed at stabilizing the national grid. This aligns with Egypt’s energy strategy, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix to 42 percent by 2030.

Rizk also emphasized the importance of Egypt's growing role as a regional energy hub. She explained the progress of electricity interconnection projects with neighboring countries, including Jordan, Libya, and Sudan. Additionally, Egypt is working on expanding interconnections with Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as studying potential interconnections with Greece and Italy.

The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company has made significant progress with its infrastructure projects. Over the past year, investments totaling approximately 7.6 billion Egyptian pounds were made to replace and renew high and extra-high voltage substations and lines. The company has also been working to expand its grid to accommodate additional renewable energy and improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the electricity transmission network.

In terms of grid operations, Mona Rizk reported that during the fiscal year 2023/2024, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company achieved a 6 percent increase in total electricity generation, totaling 229.1 gigawatt-hours. The company also made notable advancements in maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure. Maintenance programs for high and extra-high voltage transformer stations, cables, and overhead lines have been largely completed, with over 99 percent of maintenance tasks accomplished for the transformer stations and 100 percent completion for cables. Additionally, the company has worked to optimize the operation of its networks by redistributing loads across its transformer stations, transmission lines, and cables.

One of the key milestones was the trial operation of the new National Control Center in the New Administrative Capital, which is expected to oversee and manage 207 transformer stations in Greater Cairo. The Suez Canal Control Center upgrade is also complete, and a new Delta Control Center is under development to monitor 107 transformer stations across six governorates in the Delta region.

Esmat concluded the General Assembly by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the transmission network. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and enhance the capacity to handle both traditional and renewable energy. He also noted the continued focus on extending the transmission network in Upper Egypt and other areas that require urgent upgrades to ensure energy access and reliability.