President El-Sisi directs leveraging Egypt’s potential in solar, wind energy

CAIRO – 18 May 2026: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat; and Advisor to the President for Financial Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed various projects in the field of new and renewable energy.

The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy outlined the State's plan to increase reliance on renewable energy within the Egyptian energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels to achieve sustainable development.

This is in addition to monitoring the implementation of renewable energy projects over the next two years as well as plans extending through 2040, and increasing the share of clean energy to 45 percent by 2028. Dr. Esmat also reviewed ongoing efforts to reinforce the national electricity grid.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi followed-up on progress in the implementation of the second phase of the 500-MW 'Obelisk' solar power project in Nag Hammadi, which is being integrated into the national electricity grid during the current month of May.

The meeting further discussed the 900-MW wind power project in Ras Shukeir, scheduled for grid connection during the year 2027; the 1,700-MW solar power project in Minya Governorate; and the project to establish several connected and standalone energy storage stations in the governorates of Minya, Alexandria, and Qena, with a total capacity of 4,000 MW.

The President emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of these projects and overcome any related difficulties and challenges, while adhering to the designated timelines for completing the works and connecting them to the national electricity grid.

This aims to ensure the stability and resilience of the electrical network as part of the State's sustainable development plan. The President stressed the importance of leveraging Egypt’s natural potential in solar and wind energy.

The meeting also reviewed the partnership with the private sector, in line with the State's general orientation toward relying on the sector as a partner in success within the new and renewable energy sector. Discussions focused in particular on Gabal El-Zayt wind power complex, which has a total capacity of approximately 580 MW and stands as one of the largest wind power plants in Egypt and Africa. This project aims to enhance the production capacity of the national grid and reduce carbon emissions.

The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy also reviewed ongoing efforts to localize the manufacturing of equipment and components used in the production of new and renewable energy in Egypt.

Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the necessity of promoting the utilization of new and renewable energy in industrial facilities through the implementation of solar cell systems for internal electricity generation in factories. This approach represents a vital step toward diversifying sources of electrical energy, alleviating loads on the national electricity grid and supporting the large-scale expansion of solar energy adoption.

President El-Sisi reaffirmed the significance of a calculated expansion in new and renewable energy projects, reducing reliance on conventional fuel, and establishing a balanced energy mix. This embodies the State's endeavor to transition into a leading regional hub for green energy. The President gave directives to boost government efforts to enhance investment attraction opportunities within the energy sector to ensure achieving the sector's targets and leverage its role in the State's development efforts.