Egypt's Minister of Public Business Sector, Dr. Mahmoud Assmat, met with the Norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Hilda Clemetsdal, and a delegation from Skattek, a Norwegian renewable energy company. The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of joint projects, including a 1-gigawatt solar power station to provide low-carbon energy for the Nag Hammadi Aluminum Complex. Mohammed Hassouna, Advisor to the Minister for Investment and Restructuring, also participated in the meeting
Collaborative Opportunities in Renewable Energy
The conversation focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and bilateral investment, particularly in the field of new and renewable energy, to support Egypt's transition to a green economy. Both parties discussed strategies to reduce emissions, expand the use of clean energy, and comply with environmental standards to facilitate access to global markets, especially in Europe.
The meeting also discussed the initial steps of a project to build a 1-gigawatt solar power station to supply electricity to the Egyptalum aluminum complex in Nag Hammadi. This collaboration with Skattek involves various aspects, including power purchase agreements, economic and environmental impact assessments, financing, and project timelines. The project aims to complete the first 500 megawatts by the end of next year and the remaining 500 megawatts by June 2026.
Dr. Assmat also noted that Egyptalum has achieved a record-breaking production capacity for the first time since its establishment. This increase in production, coupled with higher sales volumes in both domestic and international markets, was attributed to effective maintenance operations, innovative marketing and sales strategies, and improved industrial supplies.
Dr. Assmat also highlighted Egyptalum's record-breaking production capacity, a first since its establishment. This achievement was driven by increased sales both domestically and internationally, facilitated by improved maintenance operations, innovative marketing and sales strategies, and optimized industrial supplies.
Dr. Assmat added, "We look forward to further collaboration to increase production capacity, improve company performance in response to growing market demand, and maximize return on investment."
Ambassador Clemetsdal expressed Norway's pride in its cooperation with Egypt across various sectors, emphasizing a keen interest in strengthening economic ties. She commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Public Business Sector and Skattek on this important project, which supports Egypt's transition to a green economy. She also highlighted the eagerness of Norwegian companies to invest and expand their presence in the Egyptian market.
Nag Hammadi’s 1 GW Solar Energy Initiative
The project involves a joint venture between Norwegian renewables producer Scatec ASA and Misr Aluminum Company (Egyptalum) to build a 1 GW solar power plant in Nag Hammadi, Qena Governorate. This solar power plant will utilize solar energy to generate electricity, providing a renewable energy source for Egyptalum's aluminum smelter.
The solar power plant, with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW of PV modules, is poised to become a central pillar of power generation for Egyptalum's aluminum plant. This will enable the production of high-grade aluminum.
The project will be implemented in phases, with each phase adding 500 MW of capacity. This phased approach ensures smooth workflow, optimal resource utilization, and minimizes disruptions. The first phase will involve installing state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly solar panels with advanced tracking systems.
The integration of solar power into aluminum production in Nag Hammadi will enhance the region's economic resilience and contribute to Egypt's broader goal of diversifying its energy mix and achieving sustainable development. This project, expected to be the first of many such initiatives, aligns with Egypt's ambition of becoming a leader in renewable energy.