Photo courtesy of The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency
During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, El-Sisi was briefed on measures to absorb the anticipated increase in loads and ensure grid stability and uninterrupted power supply.
The government plans to add 3,000 megawatts of solar energy capacity this year, alongside 600 megawatts of battery storage before summer, bringing total available capacity from battery storage technology to 1,100 megawatts, Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said.
The measures are part of a broader strategy to secure electricity supply during peak summer 2026, amid what officials expect to be an unprecedented rise in consumption.
El-Sisi stressed the need to maintain the stability and continuity of the electricity supply, confront encroachments and electricity theft, and continue integrating renewable energy into the national energy mix while applying quality and cost-efficiency standards.
Minister Esmat said the national electricity grid operates according to the highest standards and remains stable, meeting the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
He added that 34 new transformer stations at various voltage levels were completed and connected to the unified grid last year, along with expansions at 40 other stations. Authorities also extended 194,000 kilometres of distribution lines and 5,610 kilometres of transmission lines.
The meeting reviewed progress on renewable energy projects implemented with major specialized companies, aimed at raising the share of renewable energy to 42 percent or more of total electricity generation by 2030, potentially ahead of schedule.
Officials further discussed electricity interconnection projects with neighbouring countries, as Egypt moves to position itself as a regional hub for energy exchange by strengthening existing links and continuing studies for new connections with sisterly and friendly states.
Esmat said the Egypt–Saudi Arabia electricity interconnection project will play a significant role in stabilizing the national grid next summer. The first phase of the project, with a capacity of 1,500 megawatts, is scheduled to begin operations, supporting the urgent plan to secure electricity supplies for summer 2026.
El-Sisi directed the government to ensure adequate energy provision for productive and service sectors to sustain economic activity, attract further investment, and meet citizens’ consumption needs.
He also instructed officials to continue implementing projects and procedures to improve operational efficiency, reduce technical and commercial losses, cut fuel consumption, enhance power quality, and maintain the stability and sustainability of the electricity supply.
The president further called for expanding renewable energy projects, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, localizing the manufacture of electrical equipment, and facilitating the transfer of modern technology.
Egypt leads Arab countries in renewable electricity generation capacity, according to the cabinet’s Media Centre, which said total installed renewable capacity reached 9,366 megawatts in 2025, up from 3,658 megawatts in 2015.
The expansion is part of Egypt’s Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy to diversify sources, boost renewables, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels through large-scale solar and wind projects and expanded electricity interconnection with neighbouring countries.
International institutions have recognized Egypt’s efforts. Project Finance International (PFI) awarded the Abydos 2 solar project “Africa Deal of the Year 2025,” while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development described the Obelisk solar plant in Nagaa Hammadi as one of the country’s first projects combining generation with battery storage.
Flagship projects include the Benban Solar Park (1,465 MW) and the Gabal El-Zeit wind farm (580 MW). Meanwhile, electricity interconnection plans with Greece and Italy aim to export up to 6,000 MW to Europe, alongside expanded links with Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan, and Jordan to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub.
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