Construction is rapidly progressing on one of Africa’s largest wind energy projects, “Suez Wind Energy,” with a total capacity of 1,100 megawatts, placing it among the world’s five largest wind farms. The project is a collaboration led by Saudi Arabian company ACWA Power, working with a consortium of Egyptian and international companies, including Hassan Allam.
Strategic Location in a Global Wind Corridor
The project is located in the Gulf of Suez, specifically in the areas of West Ras Gharib and South Ras Shukeir, which are known for consistently high wind speeds, ensuring high operational efficiency. The project is distributed across two sites approximately 60 kilometers apart, each with a capacity of 550 megawatts, maximizing the leverage of available natural resources.
138 Massive Turbines to Boost Generation
The project includes the installation of approximately 138 modern wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 8 megawatts and a height of around 210 meters. These turbines are among the most advanced globally, contributing to increased productivity and reducing the number of units required compared to traditional projects.
Integrated Electrical Infrastructure Onsite
Construction includes a main transformer station to increase voltage, along with an internal network of cables to connect the turbines to the station, as well as the construction of an overhead transmission line to connect the project to the national electricity grid. The perform too includes the construction of administrative buildings, warehouses, service facilities, and internal road networks to facilitate equipment movement and maintenance operations.
International Financing and Broad Investment Alliance
The project’s investment cost is approximately $1.5 billion, provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Development Bank, and a number of other global banks and financial institutions. ACWA Power holds the largest share of the project, at 70%, although the Egyptian company Hassan Allam holds 30%.
Chinese Implementation and Accelerated Pace of Work
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work has been awarded to PowerChina, which has already begun field work, with significant progress in preparing turbine sites and laying electrical connection networks in preparation for the sequential installation of units in the coming phases.
Significant Production to Support the National Grid
The project is expected to produce more than 4,300 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power more than one million homes, contributing to reduced natural gas consumption and a significant reduction in carbon emissions in line with the global trend towards clean energy.
Operation Within 30 Months and Long Lifespan
The project is estimated to take about 30 months to complete, with an operational lifespan of 25 years under a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model, with the Egyptian government committed to purchasing all production over the years of operation.
Gulf of Suez Becoming a Renewable Energy Hub
The project reflects the country’s direction towards maximizing the benefit of Egypt’s geographical location, especially in the Gulf of Suez area, which has become one of the most important centers for wind energy production in the region. With this project entering service, Egypt is getting closer to achieving its goals of increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the electricity mix, paving the way to becoming a regional hub for exporting clean energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Suez Wind Energy project located?
The project is located in the Gulf of Suez, specifically in the areas of West Ras Gharib and South Ras Shukeir.
What is the total capacity of the Suez Wind Energy project?
The total capacity of the project is 1,100 megawatts.
How long is the expected operational lifespan of the project?
The project is expected to have an operational lifespan of 25 years.
As Egypt continues to invest in renewable energy sources, what role do you foresee wind power playing in the country’s future energy mix?
