The grid is meant to distribute 10MW of electricity to the region’s resorts.
Subsequent to receiving the permit, KarmSolar launched the Marsa Alam Solar Grid, a first-of-its-kind regional energy system dedicated to supplying power to resorts across Marsa Alam.
In the first phase of the Marsa Alam Solar Grid, KarmSolar will distribute power to five of North Marsa Alam’s resorts.
For the second phase, the company says it has applied for a permit that will add one more resort.
The company also said that the third phase of the project will establish the South Marsa Alam solar grid, which will include two more resorts in Marsa Alam.
KarmSolar will cover the costs of grid connection as well as constructing a dedicated photovoltaic solar energy plant at each resort to replace the diesel generators currently powering the resorts in the region, the company said.
The cost of grid connection ranges between EGP 5 million and EGP 9 million per resort, depending on the distance from the national grid connection point, according to the company.
The resorts will be paying KarmSolar electricity bills that are 50-60 percent less than their previous energy expenses, and will receive their energy from their dedicated solar station as well as the national grid.
“The Marsa Alam solar grid provides a valuable opportunity to previously off-grid resorts in the area to enjoy the benefits of solar energy and grid-connection without having to invest millions upfront. We’re looking forward to expanding the project in Marsa Alam, and we are already exploring new solar grid opportunities around Egypt,” said Ahmed Zahran, co-founder and CEO of KarmSolar.
Zahran noted that Marsa Alam is a thriving sea-side region, and one of the most renowned scuba-diving destinations around the world.
Renewable energy in Egypt accounts for around 20 percent of the country’s total energy sources, and the state aims raise this share to 42 percent by 2035, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea said on Saturday.
According to Egypt’s cabinet media centre, the country’s 32 solar power plants produced about 4,500 gigawatt-hours in 2021.
Short link: