Joint project between Egypt and Italy for electrical connection with massive investments

Egypt and Italy plan to develop a project for generating electricity, given Egypt's potential in renewable energy. The project, whereby Egypt exports electricity depending on renewable sources to Italy, will enter a more advanced stage after the detailed study is completed and the two countries sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

This project will be developed with "K&K" and "CESI" companies. Ahram Online interviewed CESI's CEO, Domenico Villani, who shed light on the details of the project.

Ahram Online: What is the idea behind this project? What are the goals of the study on developing an international grid connection between Egypt and Italy?

Domenico Villani: The project aims to connect Egypt and Italy using High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, a significant endeavour managed by CESI. As a global consulting company specialising in feasibility studies for international connections, our approach involves a comprehensive analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic impacts. The project envisions establishing a 3-gigawatt green corridor for exporting renewable energy from Egypt to Europe, with an underwater HVDC cable covering approximately 2800 kilometres.

AO: After the rise in gas prices and the energy crisis in Europe, will the project expand to include other countries if successful?

DV: Given Italy's full integration into European energy markets, the project could facilitate electricity trading between Egypt and various parts of Europe. Even without a final evaluation in the feasibility study, the project may evolve, connecting Egypt directly to other countries in the Mediterranean Basin.

AO: If successful, will this study benefit European countries?

DV: Importing green energy from North Africa can significantly aid Europe in achieving carbon-neutral goals, reducing CO2 emissions by around 7.5 million tons annually. Initiatives like these enhance fuel supply diversification in Europe, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and bolster the continent's resilience to the changing geopolitical scenarios.