Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has convened a multi-ministry meeting to advance a new industrial solar energy initiative that would deploy rooftop photovoltaic systems across approximately 7,000 factories — representing roughly 10% of Egypt’s total industrial base — generating 1,000 megawatts of clean electricity to power manufacturing while reducing the country’s import bill for conventional fuels.
The initiative, branded “The Industry’s Sun”, was presented by Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, who described it as a mechanism to strengthen energy security for the industrial sector, boost the competitiveness of Egyptian exports by lowering their carbon footprint, and cement Egypt’s position as a regional hub linking industry, energy, green transition, and clean supply chains.
Implementation of the 1,000 MW target would require approximately 7 million square metres of usable factory roof space. The concept is based on an average installed capacity of approximately 150 kilowatts per factory, with higher capacities expected from larger, more energy-intensive facilities. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk confirmed that the government has concrete figures in place and will work with financing institutions to launch the programme soon, noting that all stakeholders — government, manufacturers, and financiers — stand to benefit.
Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat presented the economic and environmental feasibility of rooftop solar for industrial users, including the expected savings in conventional fuel. Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid proposed mechanisms to extend the initiative’s reach to factories in free zones and investment areas.
Madbouly instructed that the final design of the initiative be completed rapidly for Cabinet approval before launch. The proposal builds on a broader Egyptian government agenda: the Ministry of Electricity is already working toward a 45% renewable energy share in Egypt’s electricity mix by 2028, with long-term clean energy projects extending through 2040.
Source: egyptoil-gas.com