Egypt-Saudi power interconnection to launch within weeks, electricity minister says

Egypt will start the operations of its long-awaited electricity interconnection project with Saudi Arabia within the coming weeks, Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat said on February 21, Economy Plus reported. 

The Egypt-Saudi Arabia electricity interconnection project has an estimated total investment cost of round $1.8bn. Under the funding agreement, Saudi Arabia covers roughly $1.2bn of the costs, while Egypt contributes the remaining $600mn. 

During an inspection of the 500-kilovolt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) substation in Badr City, Esmat tested the project’s progress, operational timetable and preparations for energising the line. Final commissioning tests have been completed at the Badr converter station, the Sakakin Taba (2) station, and the 500-kV overhead transmission line linking Badr and Taba 2, which stretches roughly 320 kilometres.

Esmat described cross-border power interconnection projects as energy bridges that strengthen partnerships, deepen economic integration and deliver mutual benefits. He said the Egypt-Saudi link would optimise the difference in peak demand timings between the two countries, maximising generation efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and enabling more economic grid operation.

The project will connect the two largest electricity grids in the region and serve as a cornerstone for broader interconnection between Africa, Asia and Europe.

The project has a total capacity of 3,000 MW and comprises three high-voltage converter stations: one in East Madinah and another in Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, and a third in Badr, east of Cairo. The stations are linked by around 1,350 kilometres of overhead lines, in addition to subsea cables.