Italgen will proceed with wind energy project in Egypt

Renewable energy for Suez Cement

Italgen has signed contracts with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company authorising the company to install a wind energy plant totalling 400 MW capacity. The wind park will be connected to the national grid from where it can be transmitted to plants run by Italcementi’s Suez Cement. This project has been in the pipeline since 2008, when Italgen first began studying the possibility of incorporating wind technology into Italcementi’s Egyptian units’ operations.

Targeting gains in renewable energy utilisation

The project will be undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 will bring the plant to an installed capacity of 120 MW at an investment of €120 – 130 million and will cover up to 40% of Suez Cement’s power needs. Phase 2 will bring the total installed capacity to 400 MW. Having signed the contracts with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, Italgen may proceed with the short list of bids received for the wind turbines, and with the financial package for the investment.

Egypt is aiming to utilise renewable sources for 20% of its total power consumption by 2020 – the equivalent of 7000 MW. Private sector engagement such as this Italgen project is essential if this target is to be reached.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/26062013/italgen_has_ok_to_build_400mw_wind_farm_26/