Arab Finance: Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is advancing a 3.1-gigawatt integrated energy project combining solar power and pumped-storage hydropower in El Tor, South Sinai, with implementation planned across two phases, as per a statement.

Minister of Electricity Mahmoud Esmat reviewed the project’s latest developments with the Renergy Group consortium, comprising the lead developer Renergy Group Partners, the local technology partner Green Tech Egypt, and the financial and investment partner OAK Holdings.

The meeting examined the findings of a joint study prepared with the ministry’s team and the steps required to begin implementation. Discussions covered the available development scenarios, technology, technical and financial feasibility, investment requirements, local component share, and connection to the national grid through the pumped-storage facility.

Esmat said the project aligns with Egypt’s energy transition strategy, which seeks to expand the share of renewable and clean energy in the country’s energy mix while reducing fossil fuel use.

He stressed that pumped-storage hydropower and battery energy storage are key to strengthening the national electricity grid as reliance on intermittent renewable sources increases. These technologies can provide stable capacity and help maintain the continuity and reliability of electricity supplies.

The ministry has introduced battery energy storage systems into the national grid over the past two years and plans to expand their use alongside pumped-storage facilities. Esmat said the El Tor project would help diversify the electricity system’s generation and storage sources while providing the safeguards needed to support grid stability.

The project is also designed to capitalize on South Sinai’s geographical characteristics by using pumped-water storage to generate electricity. Esmat said managing and investing in these resources could support energy sustainability and provide clean and secure power solutions.