Voltalia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity, in partnership with TAQA Arabia, for the repowering of the 545MW Zafarana wind farms, to create a 3GW wind and solar site.
Originally commissioned by the Egyptian government two decades ago, the wind turbines are nearing the end of their service life, a new strategy is needed to ensure the repowering of the site.
Located 130 kilometers southeast of Cairo, Zafarana is one of the windiest sites in the entire MENA region, which also benefits from exceptional sunshine, typical of the Saharan climate, Voltalia said.
Voltalia and TAQA Arabia have jointly developed a modern hybrid renewable energy solution that maximizes land use on plots 5-8 of Zafarana, leveraging both wind and photovoltaic technologies for a total capacity of 3GW, with a first commissioning scheduled for 2028.
This strategic partnership between TAQA Arabia and Voltalia includes the realization of preliminary technical and environmental measurements and studies for the creation of a fully integrated green power plant in Zafarana.
The plant will combine 1.1GW of wind power and 2.1GW of solar power, making it the first project in Egypt to combine these two renewable energy sources.
The main studies will focus on wind speed and direction measurements, bird migration patterns, solar irradiation levels, and geotechnical, topographic, and environmental assessments.
This initiative is part of Egypt’s national commitment to develop renewable energy sources and promote private sector involvement to reduce dependence on conventional energy.
Sébastien Clerc, chief executive of Voltalia, said: “The signing of this agreement is a crucial step in supporting Egypt’s ambitious renewable energy goals, and we are honored to work on this landmark project.
“Our presence in Egypt, through our project at the Benban solar complex, and our experience in hybrid wind and solar projects, such as our Serra Branca complex in Brazil, allow us to build on Zafarana’s legacy with confidence to bring more clean energy to the Egyptian grid.”
Pakinam Kafafi, chief executive of TAQA Arabia, added: “This project represents an important milestone in TAQA Arabia’s commitment to advancing green energy, aligning perfectly with Egypt’s national vision for sustainable development.
“We are conducting crucial studies in one of Egypt’s most promising regions for solar and wind energy, laying the groundwork for transformative energy solutions.
“Our ongoing partnership with Voltalia is a testament to our shared ambitions, and we look forward to extending this fruitful collaboration.”