A new hybrid renewable energy station is set to be constructed in Zafarana, eastern Egypt, with a planned investment of $2.5 billion. The project will have a total capacity of 3.1 gigawatts, combining 2 gigawatts of solar energy and 1.1 gigawatts of wind energy.
The station will operate under a build-operate-own (BOO) model, meaning the company responsible for the project will handle both its construction and long-term operation. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), a state-owned organization, will purchase the electricity generated by the plant. Solar energy from the station will cost 2 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while wind energy will cost 3 cents per kWh.
The site for the new project currently hosts the Zafarana Wind Farm, which spans 120 square kilometers and has 700 wind turbines producing 545 megawatts of electricity. This wind farm, once one of the largest in Africa, is now nearing the end of its operational life. The hybrid renewable energy station will replace it, bringing a significant increase in capacity to the site. Preparations for the project, including technical studies and financial planning, are expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Construction is set to begin in early 2026.
Egypt continues to expand its renewable energy initiatives. Other major projects include the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, one of the largest solar complexes globally, with an installed capacity of 1.8 gigawatts. Another major project is the Gulf of Suez Wind Farm, which generates 580 megawatts. These projects, along with the upcoming Zafarana hybrid station, reflect efforts to diversify Egypt’s energy mix and utilize its solar and wind resources effectively.
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