Egypt has ambitious plans to further develop it's energy production for it's own use and export. Nearly half of it's energy from clean sources by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050! No mean feat in a country with over 100 million people and growing. The most populated country in the Middle East and third largest in the African continent.

They are moving away from oil powered electrical generation toward gas and renewables.

Egyptian Oil and Gas

BP and ADNOC are investing billions in Egyptian oil and gas. Egypt predicts $30 billion total investment this decade. They have an extensive plan to greatly enhance their oil and gas production and refining facilities.

With the largest proven gas reservoirs in Africa, Egypt is a net exporter. Future gas production is expected to rise quicker than increasing domestic consumption.

Egyptian Solar Power

It is an ideal location for solar farms. South of Cairo, they have the largest solar farm in Africa, 3rd biggest in the world and a few smaller farms in other locations. But, in a country that gets so much more sun than most, it currently generates less than 5% of their electricity. Much cloudier countries like the UK generate twice as much from solar. They appear hesitant somewhat with solar.

Egyptian Wind Power

Wind power is fairing better, or at least it will do in the future. Currently, generating around the same as solar, but with large onshore expansion, expecting to provide many times more than current.

Egyptian Hydro Electric Power

Most Hydro electric power comes from four dams on the River Nile. The Aswan Low Dam, Aswan High Dam, Esna Dam and the Naga Hamady Barrages have been providing power for several decades.

There has been little change in capacity since the completion of the Aswan High Dam and there are currently no published plans for any further hydro power stations.

Egyptian Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear power has been in the planning stage for years. A Russian company is building Egypt's first nuclear power plant at El Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast. It has been hit with delays but is expected to be operational in the early 2030s.

Energy Hub For The African Continent, Europe And The Middle East.

There is a lot of work to do to meet these energy goals. Not least upgrading the infrastructure. Modernising and upgrading the electrical transmission and distribution network is well underway. This work will enable Egypt to manage the increase in their own power use but also transfer power to other countries. This is where Egypt sees a big opportunity. It is in a geographically advantageous location as an energy hub for the African continent, Europe and the Middle East.

Energy Hub

With the construction of high capacity lines and interconnectors to the Arabian peninsula, Egypt can sell their surplus electricity to Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and others. Saudi and Egypt have a one hour time difference and will be able to share power at their differing peak power demand times, to their mutual benefit. This will save both countries many millions every year.

African countries that wish to export power perhaps to Europe will need the assistance of the Egyptian system. Undersea cables are expensive and high maintenance. The only overland route out of Africa is through Egypt.

With it's ability to export LNG Egypt already acts as a hub for gas exports from Israel.

About The Author
Urian Udell
Chewells Contributor

Urian is passionate about carbon capture. He is a staunch believer in the continued use of oil... »

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