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Egypt is accelerating its transition to renewable energy after the US-Iran conflict triggered a surge in global energy prices, significantly increasing the country’s energy import costs and reinforcing the need for greater energy security.
The government has pledged to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 45 percent by 2028, bringing forward an earlier target of 42 percent by 2030. The move marks a sharp rise from the roughly 13 percent share of renewables recorded in 2025.
Officials say the revised timeline is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while positioning the country as a regional hub for clean energy exports. With vast desert areas, abundant sunshine and strong wind resources, Egypt is considered well placed to expand large-scale solar and wind power generation.
In June, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met senior ministers to speed up the implementation of solar power and energy storage projects, alongside upgrades to the national electricity grid. The government plans to develop 105 renewable energy projects aimed at improving grid stability and supporting the rapid expansion of clean electricity.
However, experts warn that achieving the ambitious targets will require massive investments in transmission infrastructure, financing and supply chains. Nadia Elmasry, an expert at the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said the country’s electricity grid and access to foreign-currency financing remain major challenges.
President Sisi has estimated that around $50 billion will be needed to modernise Egypt’s electricity grid and transmission network. Earlier, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also cautioned that renewable energy goals could be delayed without stronger international support for critical infrastructure.
International partners have begun backing the effort. In June, the European Union and the European Investment Bank announced a financing package of up to €690 million ($795 million) to modernise Egypt’s power transmission network, a key step toward expanding renewable energy and strengthening the country’s electricity system.
