• Egypt’s solar photovoltaic capacity could rise from 2.9 GW in 2025 to 34.3 GW by 2035, according to GlobalData.
• Total renewable energy capacity could reach 49.7 GW by 2035, with solar driving most of the expansion.
• Egypt targets a 42% share of renewables in its electricity mix by 2030 as it seeks to reduce dependence on natural gas.

Egypt will likely increase its solar photovoltaic capacity twelvefold over the next decade as the country accelerates its renewable energy expansion and diversifies a power system still dominated by natural gas.

A report that research firm GlobalData published on Tuesday, April 28, forecast that Egypt’s solar photovoltaic capacity will rise from 2.9 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 to 34.3 GW by 2035.

The projected growth reflects a broader transformation of Egypt’s power sector, which natural gas has historically dominated. GlobalData expects the country’s total renewable energy capacity to reach 49.7 GW by 2035, with solar energy accounting for most of the increase.

“Solar photovoltaic energy is emerging as the main growth driver of Egypt’s energy sector because the country has abundant resources, projects are becoming more cost-effective, and policymakers continue to provide consistent support,” Mohammed Ziauddin, analyst at GlobalData, said.

Supportive Regulatory and Structural Framework

Egypt has supported the current momentum through a favorable regulatory framework that includes market access for independent power producers. The country has also relied on mechanisms such as long-term power purchase agreements, sovereign guarantees, and build-own-operate models.

Several recent projects have illustrated the rapid expansion of Egypt’s renewable energy sector.

Norwegian developer Scatec announced in February that it had commissioned the first phase of its Obelisk project, which includes 561 MW of solar capacity and a 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage system.

Earlier in January, Scatec signed a power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company covering 1.95 GW of solar power capacity and 3.9 GWh of storage capacity.

Meanwhile, AMEA Power commissioned a 500 MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb. The company described the facility in June 2025 as the largest wind farm in Africa.

Egypt wants to reduce the share of fossil fuels in its electricity mix. Official statements show that the country aims to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

GlobalData expects natural gas capacity to stabilize between 45 GW and 50 GW over the coming years. The report also said nuclear energy will enter Egypt’s energy mix.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum