Latest news with #Essmat
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's electricity minister, Copelouzos Group discuss progress on Egypt–Greece power interconnection
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat met with Dimitris Copelouzos, Chairperson of Greece's Copelouzos Group, and his accompanying delegation to review the latest progress on the Egypt–Europe electricity interconnection project via Greece. The meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, also explored opportunities for expanded cooperation in new and renewable energy. The project is part of Egypt's national strategy to transform the country into a regional hub for energy exchange, diversify energy sources, maximise returns from natural resources, and strengthen the resilience and stability of the national power grid through interconnection with neighbouring countries. The discussions covered developments in the direct electricity link with Greece, the potential for exporting renewable energy to Europe, and the establishment of large-scale solar and wind power projects in line with Egypt's renewable energy expansion plans. Topics included potential project sites, proposed transmission line routes, results of meetings between the Egyptian and Greek grid operators and the project developer, tendering procedures, European offers, and measures to reinforce the unified grids in both countries to handle additional capacities for transmission to the European network. Essmat described electricity interconnection projects as 'bridges of friendship' that promote sustainable development partnerships. He stressed that linking to Europe through Greece would strengthen Egypt's position as a regional energy hub and boost the economic value of its renewable energy resources. The minister highlighted the Egypt–Greece project as a strategic component of a broader plan to connect with neighbouring countries and ultimately integrate with the European grid. He underscored the importance of interconnection projects—especially the Greek link—in line with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's vision and the government's policy to consolidate Egypt's role as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Essmat emphasised that the ministry is following a clear plan to maximise returns from renewable energy and ensure its optimal management and utilisation. The minister noted that electricity interconnection and energy exchange help achieve a balanced energy mix, particularly for renewables, while delivering economic benefits for all participating countries and stakeholders. He stressed that Egypt remains committed to renewable energy as a cornerstone of its electricity mix, diversifying generation sources, leveraging natural resources, and fostering mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Electricity Minister discusses progress on Greece power link
Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy has met with the head of Greece's Copelouzos Group to discuss the latest developments in an electricity interconnection project that aims to export renewable energy from Egypt to Europe via Greece, the ministry said. The meeting between Minister Mahmoud Essmat and Dimitris Copelouzos at the ministry's headquarters in the Administrative Capital reviewed the progress of the project, which is a key part of Egypt's strategy to become a regional hub for energy exchange. 'The electricity interconnection with Europe via Greece will make Egypt a regional centre for energy exchange between the world's continents and will maximise the returns from renewable energy,' Essmat said in a statement. He added that the project is of great importance for achieving sustainable development and is part of a general strategy of electrical interconnection with neighbouring countries, with the goal of linking to the European electricity grid. The meeting covered developments in the project, which will rely on power generated from new solar and wind energy projects in Egypt. The discussions included the locations for these projects, the routes for power transmission lines, and the results of meetings between the electricity grid operators in Egypt and Greece. The two sides also discussed the procedures for tendering and European offers, as well as the need to develop and support the national grids in both countries to accommodate the new capacity for transmitting power to the European grid. Essmat described interconnection projects as 'bridges of friendship' that support sustainable development among nations. He noted that the political leadership is highly interested in such projects and that Egypt is actively participating in all regional interconnection initiatives. 'The work continues within the framework of the state's plan to maximise returns and effectively manage and utilise renewable energy sources from natural resources,' Essmat said, adding that the project is a crucial gateway for connecting Egypt and Europe.
Egypt Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Strict presidential directives issued to halt power load shedding in summer
CAIRO, April 27 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued strict directives to find decisive solutions to halt power load shedding during the summer, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said. Madbouly chaired a meeting Sunday with Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat to review the ongoing plans for handling the rising electricity loads and increased demand during the summer months. The meeting also covered several other topics, including the current status of Egypt's electricity interconnection projects with Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Italy. Madbouly highlighted the government's intensive efforts to enhance investment opportunities in the energy sector, ensure the sustainability of electricity supplies for the national grid, industrial sectors, and service sectors, and accelerate work on ongoing renewable energy projects aimed at diversifying energy supply sources and adding new capacities to the electricity grid. Essmat said his ministry is holding regular meetings with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to coordinate efforts regarding the availability of petroleum products for the electricity sector. He also outlined ongoing efforts to stabilize electricity supply during the summer, including continuous monitoring of electricity companies' preparations for maintenance programs and timelines for adding new capacities, with additional steps studied to strengthen the unified grid to accommodate new capacities. Regarding interconnection projects, Essmat highlighted significant progress in the electricity link with Italy, which has received approval to connect to the internal network. 'Discussions are ongoing to expedite the interconnection project between the two countries and increase the participation of Italian companies in sector projects, particularly in renewable energy, to maximize the benefits of clean energy.' The minister also updated the premier on progress in the electricity interconnection with Greece, emphasizing the project's importance for sustainable development and its role in Egypt's broader strategy to connect its grid with neighboring countries. 'The goal is to link to the European grid, positioning Egypt as a regional energy exchange hub.' Essmat reviewed the status of the Egyptian-Saudi electricity interconnection operations, noting that this project connects the two largest grids in the region and lays the groundwork for future Arab interconnection. This will enhance the stability and reliability of electricity supply between the two countries, with significant economic and developmental benefits, he made it clear. (MENA)
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Electricity Minister affirms commitment to stable power supply, renewables expansion
Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Essmat, addressed the Senate on Monday, outlining the ministry's ongoing efforts to ensure a stable, high-quality electricity supply and its future plans for the sector. He affirmed the government's commitment to providing reliable power across all sectors. Essmat highlighted the ministry's urgent plan to enhance the efficiency of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This plan, he said, aims to improve quality, maximise returns from existing infrastructure, optimise system operations, address technical and commercial losses, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure a reliable electricity supply. The minister participated in a Senate session discussing reports on the future of energy, renewable energy, the energy mix, and addressing challenges in the electricity sector. Essmat emphasised the strong support and continuous oversight from the Egyptian leadership for the electricity and renewable energy sector. He noted the state's focus on this vital sector, recognising electricity as the cornerstone of development across various fields, aligning with the sustainable development plan and the goals of the 'New Republic.' He highlighted the complete reconstruction of infrastructure and legislative enhancements. He stressed that every citizen deserves access to reliable electricity service, reflecting the significant investments in infrastructure across all sectors, especially within the electricity sector. The minister stated that the ministry's work programme, along with its affiliated companies and agencies, is based on optimal economic operation, efficient resource management, maximising returns to improve the quality of electricity supply, and addressing technical and commercial losses. He detailed efforts to enhance the efficiency of existing power plants, modify operational patterns, adhere to maintenance schedules based on international standards, and closely monitor the implementation of new generation capacity to meet growing demand. The peak load of the unified network increased from 34,200 megawatts in 2022/2023 to 38,000 megawatts in 2023/2024, an increase of approximately 8%, and further increases are anticipated for the coming summer, for which preparations are underway. Essmat described the urgent plan implemented over recent months to improve the quality and stability of electricity supply, enhance services, and upgrade distribution networks nationwide. He emphasised the importance of continuous field presence, direct communication with consumers, accurate data collection, and intensified monitoring and inspection efforts. He also affirmed the commitment to expanding renewable energy and green hydrogen projects and localising related industries. Egypt's energy strategy aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix to 42% by the end of 2030, reaching 65% by 2040. This includes developing and modernising the grid to accommodate renewable energy integration, collaborating with international consulting firms, and utilising network analysis software, considering optimal economic operation in line with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company's role as grid operator under the new Electricity Law. Essmat further addressed the ongoing integration of modern technology, governance of the metering system, and service improvement for citizens. This includes projects to develop electricity distribution networks, control centres, replace traditional meters with prepaid and smart meters, and upgrade customer service centres. These initiatives fall under the plan to strengthen and develop the unified national grid. He highlighted the smart meter installation project, energy efficiency improvement projects, and the replacement of traditional meters with prepaid meters, along with efforts to simplify service applications and expand the installation of coded meters. He stressed that citizens deserve reliable service reflecting the sector's advancements while also taking measures to prevent theft, protect the network from illegal loads, and ensure accurate asset inventory for better management and financial resource optimisation. The minister elaborated on the National Energy Strategy and its executive plans, aiming to position Egypt as a regional energy hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure projects. He mentioned existing electricity interconnection projects with neighbouring countries like Sudan, Libya, and Jordan, as well as the ongoing project with Saudi Arabia expected to launch this year. He discussed the shared vision with the European Union for electricity interconnection, highlighting the Egypt-Greece and Egypt-Italy projects as crucial for regional energy integration. These projects promote cross-border clean electricity transfer, supporting sustainable energy needs and grid stability. He added that Egypt is strengthening cooperation with African countries to achieve energy integration, share technical expertise, and support renewable energy projects across the continent to meet the growing energy demand.
Daily News Egypt
04-03-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Electricity Minister affirms commitment to stable power supply, renewables expansion
Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Essmat, addressed the Senate on Monday, outlining the ministry's ongoing efforts to ensure a stable, high-quality electricity supply and its future plans for the sector. He affirmed the government's commitment to providing reliable power across all sectors. Essmat highlighted the ministry's urgent plan to enhance the efficiency of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This plan, he said, aims to improve quality, maximise returns from existing infrastructure, optimise system operations, address technical and commercial losses, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure a reliable electricity supply. The minister participated in a Senate session discussing reports on the future of energy, renewable energy, the energy mix, and addressing challenges in the electricity sector. Essmat emphasised the strong support and continuous oversight from the Egyptian leadership for the electricity and renewable energy sector. He noted the state's focus on this vital sector, recognising electricity as the cornerstone of development across various fields, aligning with the sustainable development plan and the goals of the 'New Republic.' He highlighted the complete reconstruction of infrastructure and legislative enhancements. He stressed that every citizen deserves access to reliable electricity service, reflecting the significant investments in infrastructure across all sectors, especially within the electricity sector. The minister stated that the ministry's work programme, along with its affiliated companies and agencies, is based on optimal economic operation, efficient resource management, maximising returns to improve the quality of electricity supply, and addressing technical and commercial losses. He detailed efforts to enhance the efficiency of existing power plants, modify operational patterns, adhere to maintenance schedules based on international standards, and closely monitor the implementation of new generation capacity to meet growing demand. The peak load of the unified network increased from 34,200 megawatts in 2022/2023 to 38,000 megawatts in 2023/2024, an increase of approximately 8%, and further increases are anticipated for the coming summer, for which preparations are underway. Essmat described the urgent plan implemented over recent months to improve the quality and stability of electricity supply, enhance services, and upgrade distribution networks nationwide. He emphasised the importance of continuous field presence, direct communication with consumers, accurate data collection, and intensified monitoring and inspection efforts. He also affirmed the commitment to expanding renewable energy and green hydrogen projects and localising related industries. Egypt's energy strategy aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix to 42% by the end of 2030, reaching 65% by 2040. This includes developing and modernising the grid to accommodate renewable energy integration, collaborating with international consulting firms, and utilising network analysis software, considering optimal economic operation in line with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company's role as grid operator under the new Electricity Law. Essmat further addressed the ongoing integration of modern technology, governance of the metering system, and service improvement for citizens. This includes projects to develop electricity distribution networks, control centres, replace traditional meters with prepaid and smart meters, and upgrade customer service centres. These initiatives fall under the plan to strengthen and develop the unified national grid. He highlighted the smart meter installation project, energy efficiency improvement projects, and the replacement of traditional meters with prepaid meters, along with efforts to simplify service applications and expand the installation of coded meters. He stressed that citizens deserve reliable service reflecting the sector's advancements while also taking measures to prevent theft, protect the network from illegal loads, and ensure accurate asset inventory for better management and financial resource optimisation. The minister elaborated on the National Energy Strategy and its executive plans, aiming to position Egypt as a regional energy hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure projects. He mentioned existing electricity interconnection projects with neighbouring countries like Sudan, Libya, and Jordan, as well as the ongoing project with Saudi Arabia expected to launch this year. He discussed the shared vision with the European Union for electricity interconnection, highlighting the Egypt-Greece and Egypt-Italy projects as crucial for regional energy integration. These projects promote cross-border clean electricity transfer, supporting sustainable energy needs and grid stability. He added that Egypt is strengthening cooperation with African countries to achieve energy integration, share technical expertise, and support renewable energy projects across the continent to meet the growing energy demand.
