Egypt has launched the construction of an integrated solar manufacturing complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, marking a step in its industrial development strategy linked to renewable energy. The $220mn project will be located in the TEDA Egypt industrial zone in Ain Sokhna, covering an area of 200,000 m². It will include a 2 GW solar cell factory, a 2 GW solar panel production unit, and a 1 GWh energy storage system plant.
A consortium of Egyptian, Chinese, Emirati and Bahraini stakeholders
The complex will be developed by a consortium bringing together actors from four countries. Chinese firm JA Solar, specialised in photovoltaic technologies, will provide the technological expertise. Egyptian operator AH will manage the local operations, while United Arab Emirates-based Global South Utilities (GSU) and Bahrain-based investment fund Infinity Capital will complete the shareholder structure.
All solar cell production from the site is intended for export to international markets. In contrast, the energy storage systems will primarily serve the domestic Egyptian market, as well as some unspecified regional destinations. The Egyptian government aims to combine industrial growth with export capacity.
Full-scale production set for 2026
According to Egyptian authorities, large-scale industrial production is scheduled to begin in early 2026. Hossam Heiba, Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), stated that several factories are expected to come online in the first quarter of that year, with a local content target of up to 90 %.
This project is part of Egypt’s broader ambition to build a domestic industry around renewable energy equipment, particularly in the solar sector. It also aims to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for the production and export of clean energy technologies.
Building a regional industrial platform
The decision to locate the ATUM Solar complex in the Suez Canal zone follows a strategic logic of regional and international market access. The site offers logistical advantages and is part of an industrial environment attractive to foreign investors.
“The ATUM Solar project marks a major milestone in the development of Egypt’s solar industry,” a consortium representative said at the launch. Construction officially began on December 15 and will also involve local resources for supporting infrastructure.
