Egypt Plans 1-GW Solar Rollout on 7,000 Factory Roofs

Egypt’s government is preparing a major renewable energy programme that would install about 1 gigawatt of solar capacity on factory rooftops across the country.

The proposed scheme, known as the Industrial Solar Initiative, was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Monday, with senior ministers and government officials in attendance.

Those present included Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Industry Minister Khaled Hashem, Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi and representatives of relevant state agencies.

During the meeting, Hashem said the programme would require about seven million square metres of usable rooftop space to deliver the planned 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity.

The initiative is expected to cover around 7,000 factories, representing roughly 10 per cent of Egypt’s approved industrial facilities.

According to Hashem, the programme is built around an average installed capacity of 150 kilowatts per factory. However, larger industrial sites with higher electricity demand and sufficient roof space would receive bigger systems, while smaller installations would be designed for light and medium industries based on their energy needs and grid conditions.

He said the initiative seeks to make solar energy a central part of Egypt’s industrial strategy by reducing production costs and strengthening the competitiveness of local manufacturers.

Hashem added that the programme would also reduce pressure on natural gas supplies and the national electricity network, while improving energy security for factories.

He noted that the shift could help Egyptian exports become more competitive internationally through lower carbon emissions associated with production.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said the government had now completed the main financial estimates for the initiative and would work with financing institutions to prepare for implementation.

He said the programme would create benefits for both manufacturers and the government through lower energy costs and improved industrial efficiency.

Investment Minister Mohamed Farid proposed expanding the initiative to attract more financing providers and called for factories operating in free zones and investment zones to be included.

At the close of the meeting, Madbouly directed officials to complete preparations for the initiative so it can be presented to the Cabinet for approval before the planned launch.