By Salah Elmenoufy
The Ministry of Electricity (MOE) determined the new sites where it will implement its third contingency plan to meet the summer’s demand.
Sources said that the plan includes establishing new power generation units in a number of already installed stations. These units will be established in Elseyuf station in Alexandria, Elmahmodeya, Damanhour in Beheira, West Cairo and 6th of October stations.
Sources added that the cabinet will address the plan during its next meeting, in addition to discussing methods to provide the required financial resources thereof.
In addition, the third contingency plan includes 1500 megawatts for the national grid, with $1.5 billion in investments, in preparation for its operation during May 2013.
Sources also added that the MOE will request fuel from the Ministry of Petroleum in order to provide the required amounts. The plan sites were chosen near the national natural gas grid to assure a rapid and regular provision.
A proposal will be called for from a number of international and domestic companies to carry out the plan. The companies called for have constructed electricity generation stations before.
It is worth mentioning that Mahmoud Balbaa, Minister of Electricity, paid an examination visit to the National Control Centre and West Cairo station.
The Minister revealed that an upgrading plan is being prepared for the transmission electricity networks. The networks will operate on 500 kV and 200 kV voltages to match the new electric capacities which will soon be loaded on the national grid. Balbaa added that loads will not be reduced during holidays.
