Egypt advances renewable energy push with new solar capacity, ‘Energy Valley’ project

CAIRO – 14 June 2026: Egypt is pressing ahead with its renewable energy expansion plans, advancing new solar generation capacity and introducing one of the world's largest integrated clean energy projects.

Egypt is set to connect the second phase of the Obelisk solar power plant to the national grid within the coming weeks as part of plans to add new solar and wind energy capacity this summer, Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat said during a meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday.

Esmat outlined progress in operating the first phase of the Obelisk plant, which has a generation capacity of 500 megawatts and is linked to a 200 megawatt-hour energy storage facility. Both were connected to the national grid earlier this year.

He added that the second phase of the plant, also with a capacity of 500 megawatts, is scheduled to be connected to the grid in the coming weeks.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of solar energy and battery storage projects as part of a plan to increase the contribution of renewable energy to 45% of Egypt's energy mix within the next two years, alongside expanding grid-connected and standalone energy storage facilities.

‘Energy Valley’ in Minya

The meeting also reviewed developments related to the Energy Valley project to be fully implemented in Minya governorate as one of the world's largest integrated clean energy projects.

 

The project features a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity of 1.7 gigawatts alternating current (GWac), supported by battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 4 GWh, geographically distributed across the governorates of Minya, Qena, and Alexandria.

El-Sisi highlighted the role of such projects in supporting the electricity and renewable energy sector's efforts to expand clean energy use, reduce carbon emissions and diversify energy sources.

He also stressed that localizing industries related to renewable energy is a key pillar of strengthening energy security and advancing Egypt's green transition.

Energy Storage Systems

The president directed the government to expand energy storage systems, improve the quality of electricity supply, and enhance the efficiency of conventional fuel use as Egypt moves forward with plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.

The meeting examined the implementation status of the second phase of projects aimed at strengthening the national electricity grid, which includes around 105 projects.

Esmat also reviewed plans to connect solar and wind energy projects to the national grid by 2027.

El-Sisi stressed the need to improve the quality of electricity supply, raise the efficiency of conventional fuel use, and ensure the stability of the national grid.

Renewable Energy Projects

He also instructed the government to adhere to the timetable for implementing projects and connecting them to the grid in support of Egypt's energy transition and sustainable development efforts.

El-Sisi called for regular monitoring and review of renewable energy projects at both the implementation and operational stages.

He also directed continued cooperation among state institutions and with local and foreign private-sector partners involved in implementing projects under Egypt's National Energy Strategy.

El-Sisi emphasized the critical need for sustained momentum in the implementation of solar and wind energy projects and energy storage systems in local currency.

The president underscored the importance of expanding energy storage systems to maximize the returns from renewable energy and enhance grid stability.