- French IPP, Voltalia, and TAQA Arabia have signed an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity, in presence of Egypt’s Prime Minister, to repower the landmark Zafarana wind farms.
Originally commissioned by the Government of Egypt two decades ago, the Zafarana 545-megawatt wind farms were the first of their kind in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and a milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy journey. As the wind turbines will soon approach the end of their operational lives, a new strategy is needed to repower the site. Located 130 kilometers south-east of Cairo, Zafarana is one of the windiest sites in the entire MENA region; it also enjoys exceptional sun irradiation typical of the Sahara climate.
Voltalia and TAQA Arabia have jointly developed a modern hybrid renewable energy solution which maximizes land utilization on plots 5-8 of Zafarana, harnessing both wind and photovoltaic technologies totaling up to three-gigawatt capacity, with an expected first commissioning in 2028.
This strategic partnership between TAQA Arabia and Voltalia entails conducting preliminary technical and environmental measurements and studies to establish a fully integrated green power facility in Zafarana. The plant will combine 1.1 gigawatt of wind power with 2.1 gigawatts of solar power, making it the first project in Egypt to merge both renewable energy sources. Key studies will include wind speed and direction measurements, bird migration patterns, solar irradiation levels, and geotechnical, topographic, and environmental evaluations. This initiative comes in line with Egypt’s national commitment to expand renewable energy sources and promote private sector involvement to reduce dependence on conventional power.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
