The statement came after Esmat's one-day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss developments in implementing the power interconnection project between both countries.

The project aligns with the ministry’s plan to enhance electricity network stability and reduce the need for additional fuel for power generation.

This coincides with the load-shedding programme introduced by the Egyptian government to combat the severe energy shortage (the programme has been halted as of Sunday 21 July to resume in mid-September).

The project was signed in October 2021 as a coalition between three international companies, expecting to enable Egypt and Saudi Arabia to exchange up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

It consists of three stations, two in Saudi Arabia's Madinah and Tabuk and one in Egypt's Badr City, to be connected by approximately 1,350 km of overhead transmission lines and marine cables.

The implementation work is going according to schedule, with great efforts from both sides to finish the project, start operation, and connect it to the unified network in Egypt and Saudi Arabia at the beginning of next summer, Esmat said, referring to his meeting with the Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud.

Minister Al-Saud also pledged to provide full support and necessary resources to ensure the project begins operations on schedule.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to form joint committees for weekly communication and follow-up.

These committees aim to maximize the benefits of recent developments in electricity networks of both countries and the restructuring of production, transmission, and distribution companies in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting also included discussions about further cooperation in electricity to benefit from different peak times, increase electrical stability in both countries, maximize returns, and improve the management and utilization of electricity surplus.

Moreover, it touched on the importance of identifying new private investment opportunities in renewable energy projects, considering the efforts exerted by both countries in investing in solar and wind energy projects as part of their commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. 

In addition, several cooperation agreements were made to support and facilitate the implementation of a joint approach to establishing energy projects and enhancing electrical infrastructure.