Egypt has set a bold target to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2028, as part of its National Platform for the NWFE (National Water, Food, and Energy) Program. The announcement, made during the inauguration of the Abydos 1 Solar Power Plant in Aswan, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s drive toward a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.
The new initiative aims to significantly enhance renewable energy production, reduce dependence on thermal power plants, and support Egypt’s National Climate Change Strategy for 2050. This move is also aligned with Egypt’s broader commitment to global climate action, aiming to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
Abydos 1: A Key Milestone
The flagship project within this green energy push is the Abydos 1 Solar Power Plant, a 560-megawatt facility located in Aswan, southern Egypt. The plant was officially inaugurated in the presence of key government officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, and the Governor of Aswan, Major General Ismail Kamal.
The Abydos 1 plant is being developed by AMEA Power, a subsidiary of the UAE’s Al Nowais Group, with funding from international partners such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Dutch Development Bank (FMO). It represents a major step in Egypt’s efforts to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.
Accelerating Egypt’s Clean Energy Transition
Minister Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the energy component of the NWFE Program, which aims to decommission 5 GW of outdated thermal power plants and attract $10 billion in investments to scale up renewable energy projects. The program, running from 2023 to 2028, is a key pillar of Egypt’s energy strategy, which targets raising the share of renewable energy in the national grid to 42% by 2030.
“Through initiatives like the NWFE Program, we are not only enhancing Egypt’s energy security but also aligning our development goals with global climate ambitions,” Al-Mashat said during the inauguration.
The NWFE Program is already making significant strides. Since its launch in 2022, it has mobilized over $4.5 billion in concessional financing, resulting in the addition of 4.7 GW of renewable energy capacity. This expansion is expected to slash carbon dioxide emissions by 17 million tons annually and reduce fuel costs by $1.2 billion per year, as thermal plants are replaced by cleaner energy alternatives.
Egypt’s Role in the Regional Green Energy Landscape
The Abydos 1 Solar Power Plant is just one example of Egypt’s growing capabilities in renewable energy, which have been bolstered by structural and legislative reforms since 2014. These reforms have established Egypt as a regional hub for green energy, with an expanding domestic energy capacity and increasing involvement in cross-border electricity initiatives.
The NWFE Program has also received international recognition. At COP29, 12 multilateral development banks issued a joint statement praising the program for its innovative approach to financing and its success in driving climate action. In addition to the Abydos 1 Solar Power Plant, projects like the Amounet Wind Farm in Ras Ghareb further demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy while fostering international cooperation.
A Sustainable Future for Egypt
As Egypt accelerates its renewable energy agenda, the NWFE Program stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient future. The target to establish 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2028 will not only help reduce Egypt’s environmental footprint but also stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, attracting investments, and enhancing energy security.
With its ambitious renewable energy roadmap and ongoing international collaborations, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in the global transition to clean energy, setting an example for other nations looking to integrate sustainability into their economic development strategies. The success of projects like Abydos 1 and others within the NWFE Program is a clear indication that Egypt is ready to lead the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future.
