Africa’s Largest Wind Farm Expands

January 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Figures & Findings: ENGIE, a global energy company headquartered in Courbevoie, France, focusing on the transition to low-carbon energy solutions. in partnership with Orascom Construction, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Eurus Energy Holdings, has announced the expansion of the Red Sea Wind Energy project in Ras Ghareb, Egypt. Initially set at 500 MW, the wind farm will now reach a total capacity of 650 MW following a 150 MW extension. This project is the largest wind farm in Africa, reinforcing ENGIE’s leadership in renewable energy across the continent and the Middle East. The consortium secured an updated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), ensuring revenues for the full 650 MW over a 25-year term.

Statistics & Insights: The wind farm’s expanded capacity is projected to power over 1 million homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.3 million tons annually. As of now, 306 MW of the project is already connected to Egypt’s grid, ahead of schedule, with full commissioning expected by Q3 2025. Financial backing for the project includes contributions from major institutions like the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Société Générale, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Future Implications: Once fully operational, the wind farm could significantly bolster Egypt’s goal of deriving 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This extension also positions ENGIE to solidify its regional renewable energy, with a total capacity of 912.5 MW in Egypt, advancing the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.