Voltalia, an international player in renewable energy, has signed in partnership with TAQA Arabia a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity, in presence of Egypt’s Prime Minister, to repower the landmark Zafarana wind farms.
Originally commissioned by the Government of Egypt two decades ago, the Zafarana 545-megawatt wind farms were the first of their kind in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and a milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy journey. As the wind turbines will soon approach the end of their operational lives, a new strategy is needed to repower the site. Located 130 kms south-east of Cairo, Zafarana is one of the windiest sites in the entire MENA region; it also enjoys exceptional sun irradiation typical of the Sahara climate.
Voltalia and TAQA Arabia have jointly developed a modern hybrid renewable energy solution which maximizes land utilization on plots 5-8 of Zafarana, harnessing both wind and photovoltaic technologies totaling up to three-gigawatt capacity, with an expected first commissioning in 2028.
This strategic partnership between TAQA Arabia and Voltalia entails conducting preliminary technical and environmental measurements and studies to establish a fully integrated green power facility in Zafarana. The plant will combine 1.1 gigawatt of wind power with 2.1 gigawatts of solar power, making it the first project in Egypt to merge both renewable energy sources. Key studies will include wind speed and direction measurements, bird migration patterns, solar irradiation levels, and geotechnical, topographic, and environmental evaluations. This initiative comes in line with Egypt’s national commitment to expand renewable energy sources and promote private sector involvement to reduce dependence on conventional power.
The signing ceremony, held in Cairo, symbolizes Egypt’s dedication to fostering sustainable partnerships and furthering its green transition through private sector developers. It was attended by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly Egypt’s Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. Key representatives from the Egyptian government included Ms. Mona Rizk, Chairperson and Managing Director of The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and Dr. Mohamed El-Khayat, Executive Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA). For France, Ambassador Eric Chevallier. From TAQA Arabia, Eng. Khaled AbuBakr, Chairman of Taqa Arabia, Ms. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of Taqa Arabia and Eng Samy Abdel Qader, Managing Director TAQA Power were present. On Voltalia’s side, Mr. Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, Mr. Robert Klein, Head of Latin America & North Africa and Eng. Karim El Azzawy, Voltalia’s Country Manager for Egypt and Jordan.
Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia stated: 'Signing this agreement is a crucial step towards supporting Egypt’s ambitious renewable energy goals, and we are honored to work on this landmark project. Our presence in Egypt, thanks to our operating project within the Benban solar cluster, and our experience with hybrid wind-and-solar projects, such as in our Serra Branca cluster in Brazil, enables us to build upon Zafarana’s legacy with confidence to bring more clean energy to the Egyptian grid'.
Ms. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: 'This project represents a milestone in TAQA Arabia's commitment to advancing green energy, aligning seamlessly with Egypt’s national sustainability vision. We are conducting pivotal studies in one of Egypt's most promising regions for solar and wind power, laying the groundwork for transformative energy solutions. Our ongoing partnership with Voltalia is a testament to our shared ambitions, and we look forward to expanding this fruitful collaboration.'
Source: Voltalia
