Egypt to allocate land for 27 GW of solar, wind projects

Egypt's New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) has initiated the process of allocating about 6 million square metres (64.68m square feet) of land to seven international companies and alliances for the development of solar and wind energy projects, a government official told newspaper Asharq.

The projects expected to receive land allocations will collectively have a capacity of around 27 GW and involve investments of some USD 40 billion (EUR 36.85bn) over the next 10 years. This capacity represents almost half of Egypt's total electrical grid capacity, which currently stands at around 59 GW.

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The land allocation is related to seven pacts that Egypt signed in February with developers of green hydrogen and renewable energy projects. The companies involved include Bash Global, Smart Energy, Gamma Construction and Meridiam, SK E&C Plant-C&C North Africa, El Tokkel Geela, AMM Power, and United Energy Group.

The plots to be granted are located in the oases of the New Valley Governorate and the West Nile area in southern Egypt, the official said. These locations are known for their high solar irradiance and strong wind speeds, making them ideal for renewable energy projects.

Earlier in May, renewables developer Masdar, its joint venture Infinity Power and Cairo-based partner Hassan Allam Utilities signed a land access agreement for their 10-GW onshore wind project in Egypt.