As part of the Egypt-Saudi Arabia Power Interconnection Project scheduled to enter service in July 2025, important developments are underway. This project, with a capacity of 1,500 megawatts, will open up promising new prospects for the export of electricity to Asia and Europe, thus strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries.
The electricity sector in Egypt has been facing a constant crisis for several years. A glaring example of this is the implementation of an electrical load reduction system, where electricity is cut off for up to three hours a day on a rotating basis in different areas, due to a gas shortage. . This measure sparked a wave of discontent among the population, highlighting the urgency of action to resolve the energy crisis.
The Egypt-Saudi Arabia electricity interconnection project is the result of long-standing cooperation between the two countries. The work involves the construction of three high-voltage converter stations: one east of Medina and one in Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, as well as the “Badr” station east of Cairo in Egypt. These stations will be connected by overhead transmission lines over a distance of approximately 1,350 kilometers, supplemented by submarine cables in the Gulf of Aqaba, stretching 22 kilometers.
The completion of this agreement in October 2021 after calls for tenders launched by the electricity authorities of the two countries marks a crucial step in the realization of this strategic project. In addition to improving the energy security of the two nations, the electricity interconnection will promote regional energy exchanges, paving the way for new opportunities for cooperation in the energy field.
In conclusion, the Egypt-Saudi Arabia Power Interconnection Project is of paramount importance for both countries, not only in terms of energy supply, but also in terms of strengthening bilateral relations. This initiative marks a significant step forward towards regional energy stability and offers promising future prospects for the electricity sector.