Egypt strengthens energy security

Egypt strengthens energy security  

A new solar and battery storage facility will strengthen Egypt’s energy security.

Egypt is developing a dispatchable clean-energy asset to meet the country’s rising electricity demand.

AMEA Power (based in the United Arab Emirates) and Kyuden International Corporation (headquartered in Japan) yesterday announced a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other partners to deliver a large-scale solar PV and battery energy storage project, supporting Egypt’s energy security and power system resilience.

With a total project cost of over USD 700 million, the project comprises a 1,000 MW solar PV plant combined with a 600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Aswan Governorate, Egypt.

Once operational, it will become Africa’s largest single-asset renewable energy facility and battery storage project.

The project is jointly owned by AMEA Power (60%) and Kyuden International Corporation (40%) and is expected to reach commercial operation in June 2026.

Transformational Impact

Upon completion, the project is expected to generate more than 3 million MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power more than 500,000 households, while offsetting 1.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

Construction of the project is expected to create over 4,000 jobs during construction, with more than 95% of the roles filled by Egyptians, supporting skills development and local economic growth.

Delivering high-quality energy projects

According to Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC’s Division Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa said the IFC’s strategic partnership with AMEA Power is delivering high-quality energy projects with lasting development impact in Egypt and beyond.

“By scaling clean power and storage solutions, we are helping Egypt meet its growing energy needs sustainably and build long-term resilience.

“This project exemplifies how innovative financing and strong partnerships can accelerate the transition to renewable energy while creating jobs and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” says Sylla.

The project builds on the long-standing partnership between AMEA Power and IFC across North Africa, following the successful commissioning of the 500MW solar power plant in Aswan and the 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, as well as the first utility-scale battery energy storage system in Egypt, in addition to the first large-scale privately financed solar project in Tunisia. It also marks Kyuden International Corporation’s first investment in Egypt.

North Africa is becoming a hub for renewable energy projects as well as mining, oil and gas and infrastructure development funded by the EU (particularly Italy), the Middle East, Türkiye and new entrants such as Japan.

Keep following WhyAfrica as we track developments across Africa and abroad.

WhyAfrica is in Europe reporting from Rome, Italy.

Image: Solar PV to be unleashed in Egypt. Image credit: AMEA Power.

Egypt strengthens energy security