By SHARM EL-SHEIKH | March 17, 2015 — SkyPower Global and International Gulf Development (IGD) have signed a historic agreement with the Government of Egypt for the development of 3,000 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be built over the next four years.
The agreement represents an unprecedented milestone in Egypt’s strategic plan to develop a sustainable renewable energy industry, creating thousands of new green energy jobs and attracting billions in capital investment.
SkyPower, in partnership with IGD, finalized the agreement with the Egyptian government at the first ever Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC) during a signing ceremony where many key infrastructure projects were unveiled for Egypt’s prosperous future.
“The availability of energy and managing the demand for it is one of the main priorities on the Egyptian development agenda,” said President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
On signing the agreement, SkyPower President and Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Adler applauded the country’s ambition and reiterated its support for its economic vision.
“SkyPower commends the leadership of Egypt for swiftly executing its well designed strategic blueprint to ensure a bright and prosperous future for all Egyptians, for generations to come,” said Mr. Adler. “The signing of this monumental agreement demonstrates the shared passionate aspirations of global partnerships that will substantially impact the country’s GDP, contributing approximately US$16.1 billion, resulting in increased opportunities for employment, skills training, youth and education.”
Bringing together extensive international expertise, the venture – in which SkyPower joins forces with Middle Eastern infrastructure specialists IGD – will entail a multi-phase development that will result in the production of clean, sustainable and cost-effective energy to support the growing energy needs of Egypt and directly contribute to the government’s goal of producing 20% of energy from renewables by 2020.
Working closely with the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy in the development of the solar PV energy projects, SkyPower IGD’s phase one will reach commercial operation in late 2015.
The Canadian Ambassador to Egypt, Troy Lulashnyk, who was present at the signing said the agreement “marks a significant milestone” for international businesses, sending a “clear signal…that they can work in Egypt with confidence, and to Egyptians that their country is open for business.”
Egyptian government ministers likewise expressed their enthusiasm over the solar projects and the massive investment it brings. “Foreign investment in Egypt helps build the economy and strengthen international ties with well-respected and viable partners such as SkyPower IGD,” said Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. “Egypt is pleased,” added Ashraf Salman, Minister of Investment. “It represents a continued effort to provide even more clean and renewable energy that can be sustained for decades to come.”
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