AMEA Power launches Africa’s largest battery-powered solar project

AMEA Power signs agreements with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for a 1,000 MW solar project and 600 MWh energy storage, setting a significant milestone for energy infrastructure in Africa.

Share:

Signature des PPAs entre AMEA et la compagnie de distribution électrique égyptienne

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

AMEA Power has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for the development of two major projects in Egypt.
The first is a 1,000 MW photovoltaic solar power plant, integrating a 600 MWh battery energy storage system in the Benban region, governorate of Aswan.
This project will become the largest of its kind in Africa, combining solar power and energy storage.
The second project adds 300 MWh of storage capacity to an existing 500 MW photovoltaic installation at Kom Ombo, also in the governorate of Aswan.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the resilience of the Egyptian power grid, while meeting the country’s growing energy needs.
With a total investment of $800 million, these projects illustrate a commitment to improving Egypt’ s energy security by increasing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix.
The projects focus on decarbonization, contributing to national objectives to reduce carbon emissions and diversify energy sources.

Egypt’s economic and energy objectives

Faced with growing challenges in managing energy demand, Egypt is turning to renewable infrastructure projects to stabilize its grid.
The new Benban solar power plant and the Kom Ombo expansion project will together provide clean energy to around 769,800 homes.
What’s more, these facilities will reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 2.3 million tonnes a year, although the main objective remains the diversification of energy supply sources.
The country is seeking to enhance its energy security while limiting its dependence on fossil fuels.
Recent power cuts have highlighted the need for robust energy solutions.
Battery storage projects, such as those being developed by AMEA Power, are becoming essential to balance electricity supply and demand, particularly in regions with limited transmission infrastructure.

Technology and innovation in energy storage

The battery energy storage systems (BESS) deployed in these projects represent a first on an industrial scale in Egypt.
The 600 MWh capacity of the Benban project will enable excess energy generated during periods of low demand to be stored and released during peaks in consumption.
This not only improves grid efficiency, but also offers a solution to the challenges posed by the intermittency of renewable energies.
By integrating BESS, Egypt is following global trends in energy infrastructure modernization, with a particular focus on grid flexibility and stability.
The use of storage solutions is also essential for the large-scale integration of renewable energies, ensuring more efficient management of the energy produced.

Impact on the energy market and future prospects

The completion of these projects by AMEA Power is expected to play a strategic role in Egypt’s energy landscape.
By boosting the country’s renewable energy production capacity, these initiatives could encourage other players in the sector to consider similar investments.
Egypt has set ambitious targets for 2030, aiming to increase the share of renewable energies to 42% of the total energy mix.
The development of a suitable infrastructure, combining solar power and storage, is in line with these long-term objectives.
As new technologies, such as advanced grid management systems and intelligent storage solutions, develop, the Egyptian energy market could see an evolution towards a more flexible and resilient model.

Economic and social outlook for projects

The economic impact of the projects is not limited to energy production.
With the creation of 2,500 jobs during the construction phases, the projects are expected to stimulate the local economy and support the socio-economic development of the regions concerned.
As a strategic market for renewable energies, Egypt continues to attract investment, creating an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Egypt’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and adopting clean technologies reflects a broader effort to meet growing energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.
Initiatives of this kind can also serve as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale renewable energies.

Gentari has started construction at the Maryvale site, a solar project combined with a 409 MWh battery storage system, located in Central-West Orana and backed by a long-term public contract.
Casa dos Ventos has chosen Nextracker to equip four solar and hybrid projects totalling 1.5 GW, marking its first large-scale entry into the solar sector in Brazil.
Melvan obtains €4.26mn in bank financing to develop three solar power plants totalling 3.9 MWp, with construction scheduled to start in the second half of 2025.
Arevon’s Eland Solar-plus-Storage project, with a capacity of 758 megawatts and integrated storage, enters full operation in California after two phases and more than $2 bn in investment.
5N Plus announces the extension of its supply agreement with First Solar, including a 33% increase in cadmium telluride volumes by 2026 and the delivery of new essential materials for photovoltaic production.
Scatec has finalised the financing for its 142 megawatt solar project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, marking a new milestone for the Norwegian company in the South American market.
Fortistar and Epic Star Energy take control of a group of strategic renewable assets, including a solar power plant in Kauai, marking a major milestone for Hawaii's energy development.
According to Wood Mackenzie, the end of the tax credit in the United States could lead to a 46% drop in new residential solar installations by 2030, despite strong long-term market potential.
Audax Renovables commits EUR17mn to a 21.88 MWp solar plant in Navalmoral de la Mata, targeting annual output of 42 GWh, backed by structured financing from the European Investment Bank.
Solarcentury commissions 25 MWp at Mailo, Zambia, connecting for the first time a merchant solar plant to the Southern African Power Pool and begins construction of the next phase.
Solarise Africa secures $3.3mn in financing from Mergence Investment Managers to accelerate the deployment of solar systems for the commercial and industrial sector in Africa.
First Solar anticipates higher revenue for the current year, driven by an increase in solar panel prices following the introduction of new import tariffs.
GoldenPeaks Capital commissions two large-scale photovoltaic plants in Hungary, strengthening the integration of independent solar generation and the electricity supply on the national market.
Emerge has signed a twenty-year contract with Misk City for the supply of solar electricity through a 621 kWp photovoltaic plant, supporting the site’s environmental certification and urban transformation.
SANY begins construction of a 10 MW solar power plant in Zimbabwe, the first African project integrating engineering, procurement and financing, while continuing its expansion in microgrids and hybrid solutions across the continent.
Stem deploys a grid optimisation solution for the Camino solar site, with a capacity of 57 MW, in California, meeting IEEE 2800 standards and targeting operational reliability and market performance.
Green Hybrid Power secures initial $4.4mn financing to launch a 1 GW floating solar power plant in Zimbabwe, aiming to supply 500 MW to industry under a twenty-year contract.
Loblaw Group will deploy a 7.5 MW photovoltaic installation on the roof of its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, generating up to 25% of the site’s annual electricity and marking a new step for the Canadian logistics sector.
Savion, a Shell subsidiary, transfers majority ownership of five solar projects to Tango Holdings, 80% owned by Ares, to optimise the U.S. renewable electricity production portfolio and improve the profitability of the oil group’s investments.
Investment fund KKR is committing $335mn in a strategic partnership with CleanPeak Energy to accelerate the rollout of solar, storage and microgrid solutions aimed at Australian businesses.
Consent Preferences