Egypt prepares 49 power grid projects ahead of summer load

Egypt has unveiled a comprehensive plan to implement 49 electrical grid projects to secure stable power supplies and manage surging consumption ahead of the summer of 2026, according to a cabinet statement cited by Al Ahram on June 4.

Egypt's primary summer power challenge centres on a projected 7% surge in cooling demand that strains the national grid, forcing the government to heavily import expensive fuel and accelerate the integration of renewable energy to prevent a recurrence of disruptive rolling blackouts.

The strategy was presented by the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, during a meeting with PM Mostafa Madbouly. The planned developments comprise projects already under contract, under bidding, or in the final stages of contractual procedures. They form part of a broader phase-two infrastructure initiative containing 105 separate schemes designed to enhance the unified national grid’s efficiency and reliability.

Esmat said that 25 priority loop connection projects will expand network capacity across strategic regions, including the Delta, Alexandria, the Canal cities, and Upper Egypt. The ministry is also tracking 19 transmission lines specifically intended to connect clean energy installations to the main grid.

Significant solar developments scheduled to come online in 2026 include AMEA Power’s Abydos 2, Scatec’s Obelisk 2, and the Infinity-Hassan Allam consortium’s Nefer project.

The Egyptian government plans to integrate massive wind facilities alongside independent battery storage systems, the minister said, adding that regular coordination meetings are underway across state utilities to ensure that all execution schedules are strictly met.