A groundbreaking ceremony for the Benban 1GW solar + 600MWh energy storage project, which is the largest integrated solar and energy storage power plant contracted and undertaken by CEEC in Egypt, was held on December 14, local time.

At the same time, a grid connection ceremony for the Kom Ombo 500MW solar power plant took place.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the events and delivered speeches.

Madbouly congratulated the start of the project and expressed his gratitude to CEEC for its outstanding contributions to Egypt's green and sustainable development.

He emphasized that the project plays a crucial role in Egypt's efforts to implement its clean energy action plan and advance sustainable development, both environmentally and economically. He expressed his desire for outstanding companies like CEEC to leverage their strengths, ramp up investments and construction activities in Egypt, enhance the quality and efficiency of the country's power supply, and support Egypt in achieving its 2030 vision at a faster pace

The Benban solar and storage hybrid power plant in Egypt is an independent power project developed and invested by AMEA Power. Located in the Benban area in southern Egypt, it is the second phase expansion project of the completed Kom Ombo500MW solar project.

The Benban project includes the design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of 1GW solar and supporting 600MWh energy storage, with a total investment of approximately $600 million and a contract period of 17 months.

The project kicked off immediately after signing the contract, creating over 7,000 job opportunities during the construction phase. Once completed, the plant is expected to generate around 3,000GWh of electricity annually, meeting the power needs of 500,000 households, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.56 million tons, and further boosting Egypt's renewable energy share and grid stability.

In late November this year, a consortium comprising China Energy International Group Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Thermal Power Construction Co., Ltd., and CPECC Southwest Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. successfully secured the EPC general contracting agreement for the project through open bidding.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Ismat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Rania Al Mashat, as well as Minister Zhang Tao and Minister Counselor Zhao Liuqing of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt.

Also present were Board Chairman of AMEA Power Hussain Al Nowais, head of China Energy International Group Co., Ltd., and key figures from financial institutions such as the World Bank IFC, Japan JICA, and the Dutch development bank FMO.

As Egypt is a strategic overseas market for CEEC, the company will leverage its abundant resources and enhance the performance of the project team to ensure timely and high-quality completion of the project cooperation and set a global standard for green projects.

Additionally, by capitalizing on its expertise in planning and design, the company will deepen collaboration in talent development, actively engage in various projects in Egypt such as solar, wind, storage, hydrogen, and gas turbine projects, drive the restructuring of Egypt's power sector, and play a pivotal role in realizing Egypt's 2030 Vision.