Egypt Implements Project to Increase Electricity Production from the High Dam to 2,400 MW
Egypt continues its efforts to increase electricity production from renewable energy, relying on projects to increase generating capacity, particularly from the Aswan High Dam, which seeks to increase its production to 240 MW from hydroelectric power.
According to a statement obtained by the Washington-based Energy Platform, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Dr. Mahmoud Esmat conducted a field visit to the High Dam power plant on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
During the visit, the Minister witnessed the start-up of the first power transformer, its entry into service, and its connection to the grid. This is part of a plan to replace and renovate units at the High Dam and Aswan First and Second power plants, and to develop, modernize, and increase the capacity of hydroelectric power plants in Egypt.
This step comes within the framework of the general direction, energy strategy, and work program of the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and in light of the increased reliance on renewable energy in the energy mix, maximizing returns from its sources, and achieving maximum benefit from them.
Hydropower in Egypt
The project to increase Egypt's hydropower generation capacity aims to improve performance efficiency, enhance grid stability, and add 300 megawatts to the total generated power. The project, costing €52 million ($60.9 million) and EGP 226 million ($4.55 million), respectively, was implemented.
The Minister of Electricity followed up on the progress and developments of the development and transformer replacement projects at the High Dam power station. The project aims to increase the production capacity from 2,100 megawatts to 2,400 megawatts from renewable energy, achieving annual fuel savings equivalent to $269 million.
The project also aims to extend the productive lifespan and maintain the operational level of the High Dam power station, as it is a clean energy source and a major supporter of the stability of the unified grid. This is part of the energy strategy to increase the share of renewable energy to 42% by 2030 and 65% by 2040.
During the visit, Dr. Mahmoud Esmat reviewed the project to develop and replace the power transformers at the power station. He confirmed the arrival of the equipment and the continuation of work to complete the remaining transformers, emphasizing the importance of hydroelectric power plants, particularly the High Dam power plant.
He highlighted the Ministry's general policy and firm belief that renewable energy is the path to sustainable development, within which it operates. For his part, Engineer Hisham Kamal, Chairman of the Hydroelectric Power Plants Company, gave a presentation on the affiliated hydropower plants: Aswan 1, Aswan 2, Nag Hammadi, Esna, and Assiut, in addition to the High Dam power plant with a total capacity of 2,832 megawatts.
He discussed the latest developments in the implementation of the development and capacity increase project, the timeline for connecting to the grid, the technical status of each plant, its generating capacity, operational capacity and generated energy determinants, maintenance and training programs for operating crews, and training programs for workers.
He also addressed the connection and integration between all plants within the framework of the operational plan, in addition to future development projects to increase the contribution of hydropower generation to the renewable energy mix.
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Egypt's High Dam Power Plant
The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy inspected the components of Egypt's High Dam Power Plant, including the control room and the area connecting the plant to the unified grid at various voltages, as well as the turbine hall and main generators.
The tour also included all components of the dam's electrical system. Operations officials, sector managers, and shift managers working in operational mode discussed ways to improve performance, maintenance plans and schedules, adherence to the timetable, and the timing of maintenance implementation within the framework of the work plan and coordination with the control center.
Discussions addressed the interconnection between various technical sectors and its impact on operational efficiency. Electronic monitoring, insurance, protection, occupational safety and health systems, and other components of the electrical system were inspected, including generators, transformers, control systems, and communication with control systems to achieve 24/7 grid balance.
The Minister stated that Egypt's updated national energy strategy aims to increase renewable energy to 42% of total energy generation by 2030 and 65% by 2040. He added that the state is paying great attention to hydroelectric power plants, especially the High Dam Power Plant.
He added, "The permanent plan for development, modernization, and extending the service life falls within this framework. Development and replacement projects, increasing energy production, and ensuring operational efficiency mean reducing the use of conventional fuels."
Esmat explained that the High Dam plant is a great landmark and one of the most important sources of renewable and low-cost energy. The plant is among the assets that Egypt is working to develop, increase its capacity, and maximize its returns, as part of a plan to develop, increase clean energy capacity, and reduce fuel consumption.
He highlighted the importance of maintenance programs within a clear, time-bound plan to ensure the generation units operate at the required capacity. He directed the expedited completion of the remaining transformers at the High Dam plant and Aswan 1 and 2 stations, as well as the implementation of special training programs.
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