ASWAN, EGYPT – Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions have received a significant endorsement from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which has committed up to $70 million in senior debt to the groundbreaking Nefer Benban solar project. This investment is set to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy by supporting a project that strategically combines solar generation with advanced battery storage.
The project, spearheaded by the special purpose vehicle Nefer Benban for Renewable Energy S.A.E., will be situated in the vast Benban solar park near Aswan. It will add 200 MW of solar power to the national grid and, crucially, will be integrated with a 120 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). With a total estimated cost of $175 million, the EBRD’s financing package is a cornerstone of the development, with co-financing anticipated from other institutional partners.
This initiative represents a key milestone in Egypt’s national energy strategy, marking one of the first BESS projects under the government’s NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) program. The NWFE program is a cornerstone of the country’s plan to deploy 10 GW of renewable energy capacity. The inclusion of battery storage is pivotal for enhancing grid stability and reliability by addressing the intermittent nature of solar power.
The EBRD’s support for Nefer Benban aligns with its broader commitment to fostering green energy across the region, which has included financing for projects like a major wind power development in Uzbekistan. Beyond bolstering Egypt’s energy security, the project is poised to make a substantial environmental impact. Once operational, it is projected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 280,000 tons, directly contributing to Egypt’s climate goals and its shift away from fossil fuels.
Sources
- EBRD to back Nefer Benban’s solar project in Aswan with $70M
- Kahira Pharmaceuticals’ profits jump 17.3% in 9 months
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