Egypt considers powering aluminium complex with solar energy

Egypt's Ministry of the Public Business Sector and Norwegian renewable power producer Scatec ASA (OSL:SCATC) are considering the development of a solar project to supply clean energy for the operation of the aluminum complex in the city of Nagaa Hammadi in Upper Egypt.

Minister Mahmoud Esmat and representatives of Scatec met this week at the ministry's headquarters to discuss the potential project, according to a cabinet statement. The discussions concerned a proposal to establish a solar plant with a battery to provide clean electricity to operate the aluminum factory, the economic feasibility of the project, the cost of production, selling prices, as well as providing the land necessary to build the solar plant.

The solar park is planned to be constructed in two phases each with a capacity to produce 500 MWh of clean power annually provided that the first phase is completed within 18 months from the date of signing, and the second phase within 24 months. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy.