• In the presence of HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian Prime Minister,

Cairo, Egypt: TAQA Arabia, Egypt’s leading private sector energy and utility provider, in partnership with Voltalia, one of the largest international companies in the sector of generating, operating, and supplying all types of renewable energy, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. Represented by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), the MoU aims to study and explore the development of a pioneering 3.2 GW (wind/solar) power plant in Suez Governorate repowering Zafarana wind farm.

The signing ceremony was attended by HE. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister; HE Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. Also, in attendance were H.E. Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Cairo, and several representatives from the Egyptian government including; Ms. Mona Rizk, Chairperson and Managing Director of The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and Dr. Mohamed El-Khayat, Executive Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA). From TAQA Arabia, Eng. Khaled AbuBakr - Chairman, Ms. Pakinam Kafafi - CEO and Eng Samy Abdel Qader - Managing Director TAQA Power were present, From Voltalia Mr. Sebastien Clerc – CEO, Mr. Robert Klein Head of Latin America & North Africa and Eng. Karim El Azzawy, Voltalia’s Country Manager for Egypt and Jordan.

Originally commissioned by the Government of Egypt two decades ago, the Zafarana 545-megawatt wind farms were the first of their kind in the MENA region and a milestone in Egypt’s renewable energy journey. As the wind turbines will soon approach the end of their operational lives, a new strategy is needed to repower the site. Located 130 kilometers south-east of Cairo, Zafarana is one of the windiest sites in the entire MENA region; it also enjoys exceptional sun irradiation typical of the Sahara climate.

This strategic partnership between TAQA Arabia and Voltalia entails conducting preliminary technical and environmental measurements and studies to establish a fully integrated green power facility in Zaafrana. The plant will combine 1.1 GW of wind power with 2.1 GW of solar power, making it the first project in Egypt to merge both renewable energy sources. Key studies will include wind speed and direction measurements, bird migration patterns, solar irradiation levels, and geotechnical, topographic, and environmental evaluations. This initiative comes in line with Egypt’s national commitment to expand renewable energy sources and promote private sector involvement to reduce dependence on conventional power.

Ms. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: "This project represents a milestone in TAQA Arabia's commitment to advancing green energy, aligning seamlessly with Egypt’s national sustainability vision. We are conducting pivotal studies in one of Egypt's most promising regions for solar and wind power, laying the groundwork for transformative energy solutions. Our ongoing partnership with Voltalia is a testament to our shared ambitions, and we look forward to expanding this fruitful collaboration."

For his part, Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia stated: “Signing this agreement is a crucial step towards supporting Egypt’s ambitious renewable energy goals, and we are honored to work on this landmark project. Our presence in Egypt, thanks to our operating project within the Benban solar cluster, and our experience with hybrid wind-and-solar projects, such as in our Serra Branca cluster in Brazil, enables us to build upon Zafarana’s legacy with confidence to bring more clean energy to the Egyptian grid”.

It’s worth mentioning that this non-binding MoU represents an initial step to assess technical and environmental viability, with study completion anticipated by December 2025. The outcomes will provide critical insights for future development phases.

About TAQA Arabia:

TAQA Arabia (TAQA.CA), listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), is the leading group in energy distribution and its integrated services in Egypt and the MENA Region. Serving more than 1.8 million domestic, industrial, touristic, and commercial clients with their daily needs of natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, petroleum products, and water in 50 Egyptian cities. TAQA Arabia invests, constructs, and operates and maintains energy infrastructure including gas transmission & distribution in 8 governorates, conventional and renewable power generation & distribution with capacities exceeding 1300 MW and water treatment and desalination services, as well as marketing oil products and lubricants throughout several retail fuel stations across the country branded “TAQA” stations. Through "Master Gas" TAQA Arabia’s CNG Subsidiary, the group operates extensive number of CNG stations and conversion centers, as well as providing off-grid customers with Mobile CNG services to deliver gas to areas far outside gas networks across Egypt and the region.

About Voltalia:

Voltalia is an international player in renewable energies. The Group produces and sells electricity from its wind, solar, hydro, biomass and storage facilities. It has 3.1 GW of capacity in operation and under construction, and a portfolio of projects under development with a total capacity of 17.2 GW.

Voltalia is also a service provider, supporting its renewable energy customers at every stage of their projects, from design to operation and maintenance. A pioneer in the business market, Voltalia offers a comprehensive range of services to businesses, from the supply of green electricity to energy efficiency services and the local production of its own electricity. 

With more than 2,000 employees in 20 countries on 3 continents, Voltalia has the capacity to act globally on behalf of its customers. Voltalia is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (FR0011995588 - VLTSA) and is included in the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices. The company is also included, amongst others, in the MSCI ESG ratings and the Sustainalytics ratings.