Activities in Egypt

Background and Objective

Gulf of El Zayt Wind Power Plant is having a total output of 220 MW in the Gulf of El Zayt region along the Red Sea coast, located 350 kilometers southeast of the capital of Egypt, Cairo.

Inaugurated by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in July 2018, this power plant is adding approximately one percent of the total power production capacity in Egypt, curbing carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions by 494,000 tons per year as compared to Co2 emissions resulting from an equivalent of power produced utilizing fossil fuels.

The objective of this project is to increase electricity power supply and save fossil fuel consumption, thereby contributing to fulfillment of demand for electricity, to mitigation of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emission, and to economic and social development and preservation of the environment in Egypt.

This project contributes to the climate change mitigation which is a significant international commitment of Japan, and also matches the Official Development Assistance policy. Therefore, the necessity and adequacy of JICA's assistance in this project is highly regarded.

Project Summary

Loan Project (March 30, 2010)

An agreement was signed on March 30th, 2010 between the Egyptian and Japanese governments, whereby JICA offered to New and Renewable Energy Agency (NREA) a loan reaching 38,864 million Japanese Yen. The project includes:

First: Establishment of the Wind Farm

The wind farm is constructed by the erection of 110 turbines, each of 2 MW, resulting in 220 MW capacity to be added to the national electricity grid. The establishment of the wind farm includes infrastructure and civil works, wind turbines foundation and erection works, electrical works as well as 3 years warranty period including operation and maintenance

Second: Expansion of Substation:

The project also includes funding the upgrading of the existing 220 KV substation by 250 MVA capacity for the interconnection of the electricity generated to the grid.

Third: Consultancy Services

Consultancy services for project management are financed also under the loan. The consultant is the JV of Lahmeyer/Oriental Consultants (German/Japanese). Consultant also is supporting post construction monitoring for migratory birds. This is one of the measures taken to mitigate risks of bird collision in this area.