Up to EGP 15.3bn in investments was allocated to traditional electricity production projects in south Upper Egypt for the next fiscal year.
The allocation was announced in a report on the work situation of new projects sent to Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker from Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) Chairperson Gaber El-Desouki.
The report covered three projects Assiut, Walidia (located in Assiut), and South Helwan stations, and traditional and preventive maintenance programmes for generation units in the national grid.
Mohamed Mokhtar, President of the Upper Egypt Electricity Production Company (UEEPC), said the new investment allocated to South Valley electricity production projects are aimed at completing the Walidia 3 generating station’s construction. The 650 MW capacity station has cost EGP 2.5bn, in addition to receiving EGP 100m for replacement and renewal work.
He explained that the power plants currently require EGP 9.6bn in fuel costs, but that the company is aiming to reduce fuel consumption at its units to 194 grams instead of 196 grams.
Mokhtar added that the giant South Helwan plant has entered into full production with a capacity of 1950 MW, to contribute to reducing production costs, fuel consumption, and environmental emissions.
The station’s operation has raised the UEEPC’s energy contributions to an unprecedented record.
He explained that the current electricity production under establishment amounts to 5,500 MW, in addition to the current capabilities.
Mokthar added that the Walidia station will start operating next month while the combined 850 MW cycle power plant of the West Assiut plant has started operating. This follows the plant overcoming problems and making an agreement with the Ministry of Environment.
Likewise, the replacement, renewal, and maintenance work for a number of generation units has been completed in accordance with the timetables. The entire old West Assiut power plant, mobile units, and gas power plant in Koraymat have undergone full maintenance.
