EGYPT is home to Africa’s largest solar farm, the Benban Solar Park, located in the vast expanse of the Aswan desert. Covering 37 square kilometres, this monumental project is a key player in Egypt’s push towards a sustainable energy future. Completed in 2019, the solar complex cost $3.66bn to construct and houses 41 individual solar plants, together generating an impressive 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of power—enough to meet the energy needs of hundreds of thousands of Egyptian homes.
Egypt’s renewable energy strategy
Benban Solar Park is a cornerstone of Egypt’s Nubian Suns Feed-In Tariff programme, which encourages private sector investment in renewable energy. The project aligns closely with Egypt’s Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035, an ambitious plan to source 42 percent of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2035.
The solar park also stands as a testament to the growing influence of solar energy in Egypt. According to the Egyptian government, the solar farm reduces carbon emissions by an astounding two million tonnes annually, playing a vital role in the country’s climate change mitigation efforts.
Economic and environmental Impact
The construction phase of the Benban Solar Park was a significant boost for the local economy, generating more than 20,000 jobs. The project’s scale and complexity provided valuable experience in installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems for the local workforce. The presence of this massive infrastructure has also driven down the cost of solar photovoltaic systems in Egypt, making renewable energy more accessible to the population.
Such a colossal facility has a visual impact too—it’s so large that it’s visible from space, a symbol of Egypt’s renewable ambitions.
International backing
The Benban Solar Park attracted significant international investment. Financial support came from an array of global backers, including the Green Climate Fund, the European Union, and the World Bank. Various development banks also provided financing, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in making large-scale renewable projects a reality in Africa.
As Egypt continues to push for a greener future, the Benban Solar Park exemplifies the power of renewable energy to transform economies and secure sustainable energy for generations to come. With projects like this, Egypt is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy, both in Africa and on the global stage.
