AMEA Power to develop Africa’s largest solar PV project

Image: AMEA Power

Dubai-headquartered renewable energy company AMEA Power, will invest an additional $800m in two major renewable energy projects in Egypt, furthering its commitment to the country’s clean energy transition.

The projects will bring AMEA Power’s total capacity in Egypt to 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar and wind power, accompanied by 900 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The new projects include a 1,000 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and a 600 MWh BESS in the Benban area, Aswan Governorate, making it the largest solar PV and BESS project in Africa.

Additionally, AMEA Power will expand its existing 500 MW Abydos Solar PV project, adding a 300 MWh BESS in Kom Ombo, marking the first utility-scale BESS in Egypt.

Amea Power signs PPAs with EETC

The power purchase agreements (PPAs) for both projects were signed with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) in a ceremony attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and other high-ranking officials.

“These projects not only represent milestones for Egypt’s renewable energy sector but also affirm AMEA Power’s leadership in pioneering sustainable energy solutions,” said AMEA Power chairman Hussain Al Nowais.

The projects are expected to generate 2,500 jobs during peak construction and provide renewable energy to 769,800 homes, reducing carbon emissions by over 2.3 million tonnes annually.

The company’s expansion is seen as a crucial step toward Egypt’s energy diversification goals and efforts to mitigate power outages, with both projects expected to contribute significantly to energy security upon completion.

In recent news, the company said it reached financial close on its 120MW Doornhoek solar PV project located in South Africa. When commissioned, the $120m project will be the company’s first operational asset in the country.

AMEA Power, the majority shareholder in the 120MW solar PV project, has partnered with Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Energy, which are wholly owned by African women.

The project was first awarded to the consortium through Bid Window 6 of the REIPPPP. Standard Bank South Africa provided debt funding of $100m (approximately ZAR1,800m) to AMEA Power, while Industrial Development Corporation provided $8m (approximately ZAR150m) of equity funding to the local partners.