Orascom Investment Holding, a leading Egyptian conglomerate, has announced that a consortium including Engie, Toyota Tsusho, and Eurus Energy has begun commercial operations at the 500 MW Red Sea wind farm in Egypt. The wind farm, located in Ras Ghareb, has a total capacity of 650 MW, making it one of the largest wind power projects in the country.

The consortium was awarded the contract to develop the project in 2019, and construction began shortly after. The wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 500,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.2 million tons per year.

The project is a significant milestone in Egypt’s efforts to upgrade its energy security and transition to a low-carbon economy. In recent years, Egypt has made significant investments in renewable energy, with a goal of generating 22% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The Prime Minister of Egypt, Madbouly, inspected the wind power plant last week, highlighting the importance of the project in boosting the country’s energy security. The Presidential Center for Immunization and Infectious Diseases has also emphasized the significance of upgrading energy security, stating that it is crucial for the country’s economic development and stability.

The 500 MW Red Sea wind farm is expected to contribute significantly to Egypt’s renewable energy capacity and help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. The project is also expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Overall, the commercial operation of the 500 MW Red Sea wind farm is a significant achievement for Egypt and demonstrates the country’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It is also a major victory for the consortium, which has demonstrated its expertise in developing large-scale renewable energy projects.