El-Sisi Raises Renewable Energy Target to 45% by 2028 with Review of Hydrogen and Desalination Projects

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reviewed plans to raise the share of renewable energy in Egypt's electricity mix to 45% by 2028, surpassing the previous target of 42% scheduled for 2030.

The meeting included Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Ismat, and Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk. The presidency said the participants reviewed the implementation of a 200 MW wind power station in the Suez Gulf.

Ismat announced that his ministry recently concluded a contract for a 500 kilovolt overhead transmission line to carry electricity generated from wind in the Suez Gulf to consumption centers and strengthen the national grid.

The review also covered existing and planned renewable energy projects, expansion of battery energy storage systems, as well as green hydrogen projects and seawater desalination plans, including a desalination complex in the Dabaa region using advanced technologies, alongside desalination projects linked to existing power generation stations and others in cooperation with international partners. El-Sisi also reviewed efforts to expand local manufacturing based on black sand and rare elements, emphasizing the importance of converting natural resources into high-value industrial products rather than relying on raw material exports.

El-Sisi called for adopting a more diverse and sustainable energy mix to strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk presented a separate update on economic and financial developments and cooperation with international financial institutions and efforts to reduce government debt, while El-Sisi demanded coordination between relevant agencies to implement debt reduction plans and achieve announced targets.