Egypt to start exporting electricity by 2020: Minister

CAIRO - 20 June 2017: Egypt has, “capabilities that could cover our electricity needs,” and this year’s summer season is going to be excellent and without any power blackouts,” Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Shaker said Monday.

In statements to Egypt Today, Shaker noted that the networks are being heavily repaired, with investments in electricity transmission and distribution networks. The repairs, investments and distribution networks costs LE 37 billion and will take two to three years to complete. He pointed out that by the time these repairs are complete, Egypt will witness a serious transition.

Shaker commented that Egypt, “is expected to start exporting energy by 2020 or 2021,” after completing the linkage line project with Saudi Arabia. However, electricity is sometimes exported to Jordan. The linkage line between Egypt and Jordan at its capacities reaches 400 to 450 MW. Those capacities are currently being increased.

He highlighted that the power lines between Egypt and Jordan, as well as the lines with Libya are currently being strengthen, in addition to a 3,000 MW power linkage line with Saudi Arabia.

Shaker affirmed that the increase in electricity prices will be applied as of July 1, noting that people of low income will be taken into consideration.