A French led consortium has signed a major power purchase agreement with Egypt for a 900 megawatt onshore wind farm near Ras Shokeir. This deal marks another big win for the country’s renewable energy drive and will create Engie’s largest wind project worldwide.
Consortium Brings Together Global and Local Expertise
The project moves forward under a 25 year build own operate model. Engie holds 35 percent of the consortium. Orascom Construction takes 25 percent while Aeolus, the renewable platform of Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corporation, owns the remaining 40 percent.
Orascom Construction will handle civil works along with the electrical balance of plant and supply selected local components. This setup ensures strong local participation and supports Egypt’s goal of building domestic capabilities in the renewable sector.
The signing of the PPA with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company secures long term revenue for the developers. It also reflects confidence in Egypt’s stable regulatory framework for clean energy investments.
Clear Timeline Sets Path to Full Operation
Financial close is expected in the third quarter of 2026. Delivery of the first wind turbines on site should happen by the end of that year.
The project will roll out in phases. The initial 300 megawatts are scheduled to start operations in December 2027. Full commercial operation of the entire 900 megawatt facility is targeted for mid 2028.
This phased approach allows the team to manage construction risks while delivering power to the grid as soon as possible. It also aligns with Egypt’s need to add clean capacity quickly to meet rising electricity demand.
Here are the key project facts at a glance:
- Capacity: 900 MW onshore wind
- Location: Ras Shokeir, Gulf of Suez
- Contract type: 25 year BOO with PPA
- Partners: Engie, Orascom Construction, Aeolus
- Expected full operation: Mid 2028
Egypt Accelerates Its Renewable Energy Shift
Egypt has set ambitious targets for its power mix. The country aims for 42 percent renewable energy by 2030 and even higher shares in the following decade. Wind resources in the Gulf of Suez play a central role in this plan thanks to consistent high wind speeds that often reach 8 to 10 meters per second.
The Ras Shokeir project fits perfectly into this strategy. The Gulf of Suez region already hosts several successful wind farms and continues to attract major international players. Developers benefit from excellent wind conditions, available land, and government support for green infrastructure.
This latest addition will help Egypt reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. It will also improve energy security for a growing population and support economic development through reliable, low cost clean power. Similar projects in the area have shown they can supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes while cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions over their lifetimes.
Engie Strengthens Position as Key Player in Egypt
The Ras Shokeir wind farm will become Engie’s third project in Egypt. Once complete it will lift the company’s total installed wind capacity in the country to nearly 2 gigawatts.
The same consortium previously delivered two other BOO wind farms. These include the 650 megawatt Red Sea Wind Energy project and the 262.5 megawatt Ras Ghareb facility. Both came online ahead of schedule and under budget, building strong trust with Egyptian authorities.
This new 900 megawatt development will surpass Engie’s 846 megawatt Assuruá complex in Brazil to become the group’s largest onshore wind farm globally. It underlines Engie’s commitment to scaling renewable projects in promising markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Paulo Almirante, Engie’s senior executive vice president for renewables, described the deal as a new milestone. He noted it confirms the confidence of long term partners and reinforces the company’s role in Egypt’s energy transition.
The project also brings broader benefits. Construction will create jobs and stimulate local supply chains. Operation and maintenance activities will provide ongoing employment and skills development. For Egypt, it represents another step toward becoming a regional hub for green energy exports and innovation.
International financing will likely play a role as the consortium prepares for financial close. Previous similar projects attracted support from institutions like the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, showing strong global interest in Egypt’s renewable potential.
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy sources, deals like this one demonstrate practical ways to combine international expertise with local strengths. The strong winds blowing across the Gulf of Suez now carry real promise for a more sustainable power system in Egypt and beyond.
This development arrives at an important time. Egypt continues to expand its renewable portfolio while managing growing energy needs. Successful delivery of the Ras Shokeir project could open the door for even larger initiatives in the coming years and encourage more investment across the sector.
