Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Dr. Mohammed Shakir, Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy have inaugurated the 10 MW Siwa solar power plant in Matrouh, Egypt.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Seif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Major General Alaa Abu Zeid, Governor of Marsa Matrouh and Mohammad Shaker, Egypt Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy.
The Siwa solar plant is the first in a series of Egyptian solar energy projects to be delivered by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, under an agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Egyptian government. The solar plant will help alleviate energy shortages throughout the Matrouh region.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said, "The Siwa 10MW power plant is a tangible indication of the UAE government's commitment to the government and people of Egypt. Delivered in a in just a few months, the Siwa solar plant will provide electricity to thousands of homes and provide the energy to power sustainable economic growth in the area." "Egypt is blessed with great solar wind potential and as such is a prime location for off-grid renewable energy solutions. As such, solar power provides an unprecedented opportunity to address the country's growing energy needs sustainably, reduce its carbon emissions and improve its access to energy." The Siwa solar plant will supply 17,551 MW/h of power annually, saving five million litres of diesel fuel per year. The plant will also reduce Egypt's carbon footprint by more than 14,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) each year.
Dr. Mohamed Shaker said, "On behalf of all Egyptians, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the UAE leadership and people for their support. Access to renewable energy is vital to Egypt's long-term economic development. The solar plants and other facilities that are planned, will deliver the energy required for the operation of local industries, businesses and public services, as well as provide clean power to thousands of homes." Maj. Gen. Alaa Abu Zeid, Governor of Marsa Matrouh, said, "The Siwa solar power plant will play a significant role in improving the living conditions of citizens in many remote villages and contribute to sustainable development throughout the Marsa Matrouh governate. This has been made possible thanks to the support of the United Arab Emirates, and its commitment to advancing sustainable development." In addition to the four 10MW solar plants planned, three 6MW solar plants will be constructed by Masdar in New Valley, four in the Red Sea region and four in the South Sinai. Eight smaller solar plants, along with 33 plants with a capacity ranging between 20kW and 120kW, will also be built in Marsa Matrouh, South Sinai, Qena, Sohag, Al Aqsar and Aswan. In addition, Masdar will oversee the installation of 6,943 solar home systems and solar facilities that will provide energy to over 220 schools, 80 mosques and nine healthcare clinics.