Voltalia has joined forces with TAQA Arabia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity to repower the historic Zafarana wind farms. The signing ceremony took place in Cairo, attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and other key officials.
The Zafarana wind farms, commissioned 20 years ago, were a trailblazing renewable energy project in the MENA region, boasting a capacity of 545 megawatts. However, with the turbines nearing the end of their operational lifespan, modernization is now critical. Situated 130 kilometers southeast of Cairo, Zafarana benefits from exceptional wind conditions and ample solar irradiation, making it a prime location for hybrid renewable energy solutions.
Voltalia and TAQA Arabia propose to transform the site by integrating wind and photovoltaic technologies, creating a hybrid renewable energy project with a capacity of up to three gigawatts. The initiative will cover plots 5–8 of the Zafarana site, with the first phase slated for commissioning by 2028. The project will combine 1.1 gigawatts of wind energy with 2.1 gigawatts of solar energy, making it Egypt’s first renewable facility to merge both technologies.
To ensure the project’s success, Voltalia and TAQA Arabia will conduct detailed technical and environmental studies, focusing on wind dynamics, bird migration, solar irradiation, and geotechnical assessments. These studies aim to develop an integrated green power facility that aligns with Egypt’s renewable energy strategy and commitment to expanding private sector involvement in sustainable energy.
The agreement underscores Egypt’s dedication to sustainable development and its transition to green energy. The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Ms. Mona Rizk, Chairperson of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and Dr. Mohamed El-Khayat, Executive Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA). Representing France was Ambassador Eric Chevallier, alongside leadership teams from Voltalia and TAQA Arabia.
Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
“Signing this agreement is a crucial step towards supporting Egypt’s ambitious renewable energy goals. We are honored to work on this landmark project. With our operating project in Egypt’s Benban solar cluster and experience with hybrid wind-solar projects like Serra Branca in Brazil, we are well-prepared to build on Zafarana’s legacy and deliver more clean energy to the Egyptian grid.”
Ms. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“This project is a milestone in TAQA Arabia’s commitment to advancing green energy in alignment with Egypt’s sustainability vision. By conducting pivotal studies in one of Egypt’s most promising regions for solar and wind power, we are paving the way for transformative energy solutions. Our ongoing collaboration with Voltalia reflects our shared ambitions, and we are excited to expand this fruitful partnership.”
