Egypt, Aqua Power sign agreement for 10 GW wind energy project in West Sohag

Egypt's Ministry of Electricity, represented by the New and Renewable Energy Authority, signed a document with Saudi-based company Aqua Power on Monday to allocate and provide land for the initiation of studies and measurements for a 10-gigawatt wind energy project in the West Sohag region.

 

According to the land allocation document, the project is expected to generate approximately 50,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy upon completion, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million tons and supplying electricity to around 11 million residential units.

 

Upon the completion of all project phases, it is estimated that the wind energy project will save Egypt approximately $6.5 billion in annual natural gas costs and create around 120,000 job opportunities. This includes 45,000 direct employment opportunities during the construction phase, as well as indirect employment for approximately 75,000 individuals. Additionally, there will be 2,500 jobs for operation and maintenance after the completion of the entire plant.

 

Minister of Electricity, Mohamed Shaker, stated that the state has adopted an ambitious program to advance the electricity sector, with a focus on maximizing the utilization of renewable energy resources and encouraging investment in this vital field.

 

Shaker emphasized that the renewable energy sector contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, aligning with Egypt's energy sector strategy to achieve a 42 percent share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix by 2030.