- Egypt’s 5 GW solar project at Nasser Lake will significantly contribute to Egypt’s 2030 renewable energy goal, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating local economies.
- The project will use advanced solar technologies, including bifacial and high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, smart inverters and energy management systems to optimize energy conversion and grid integration.
In a November 26 interview with The Electricity Hub, Ahmed Helal Hawara, Projects and Business Development Manager at Energya Elsewedy, shared details of Egypt’s 5 GW solar project at Nasser Lake. The initiative is key to Egypt’s plan to boost renewable energy and meet its 2030 energy goals.
The project will harness the abundant solar energy at Nasser Lake to contribute to Egypt’s renewable energy target. By 2030, the country aims to generate 42% of its total energy from renewable sources. Hawara believes the solar project will significantly help Egypt achieve that target.
Mr Hawara emphasised that the solar project goes beyond just energy. The project will create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies. “The project will boost economic growth while reducing carbon emissions,” he said.
The project will use advanced solar technology, including bifacial solar panels that capture sunlight from both sides and high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. These technologies will maximise energy production by increasing the amount of solar energy converted into electricity. Hawara also mentioned that smart inverters and energy management systems will improve energy conversion and grid integration.
“Advanced solar technology will improve system performance, even in varying weather conditions,” he explained. This technology will ensure that the project delivers consistent energy output year-round.
The 5 GW solar project aligns with Egypt’s broader renewable energy strategy. By adding 5 GW of solar power, the project will reduce Egypt’s dependence on fossil fuels and help the country meet its climate goals. The project will also support regional and global efforts to combat climate change.
Hawara provided an overview of the project’s timeline. He stated that construction and commissioning should take between three and five years. However, financing, regulatory approvals, and technology deployment may affect the timeline.
“The timeline could change depending on the challenges we face during construction,” he said. Despite potential delays, Hawara remains optimistic that the project will move forward. He also noted that integrating the project into Egypt’s existing energy grid will require significant infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades will ensure that the increased solar capacity can efficiently reach consumers nationwide.
The project will create thousands of jobs during the construction and operational phases. Hawara explained that the project will generate opportunities in project management, engineering, and renewable energy technologies.
“We expect a significant number of jobs,” he said. Local communities will benefit from these opportunities. In addition, the project will drive infrastructure investment, further stimulating economic activity.
The project will also focus on local procurement. Sourcing materials and services from local businesses will support regional economic development. Hawara pointed out that the project’s economic benefits will extend beyond the energy sector and help develop local industries.
Hawara also addressed environmental concerns related to the project. He explained that the project developers remain committed to sustainable development practices. “We will conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to assess land use and water resource management,” he said. These assessments will help minimize the project’s environmental footprint.
Sustainable land development practices will be a key focus, with careful attention to site selection to avoid ecological disruption. Water conservation techniques will also play an important role, considering the significance of Nasser Lake as a critical water resource. The project’s environmental impact will undergo continuous monitoring to ensure it aligns with Egypt’s sustainability goals.
Mr Hawara believes the benefits will far outweigh the challenges despite the project’s ambitious scale. “This project is a major step forward for Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions,” he said. He emphasised that integrating advanced technologies and environmental management strategies will help ensure the project meets energy and sustainability targets.
The 5 GW solar project at Nasser Lake marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy journey. As the country moves closer to its 2030 goals, this project will play a central role in shaping Egypt’s energy sector and economy.
Mr Hawara’s comments provide valuable insight into the future of Egypt’s solar energy landscape. However, he clarified that his statements reflect his personal views and are not official positions of the Egyptian government or project developers.