This step comes within the framework of the plan to replace and renovate the units of the High Dam and Aswan I and II power plants, and to develop, modernize, and increase the capacity of the hydroelectric plants to improve performance efficiency and enhance grid stability. This will add an additional 300 megawatts to the total generated power, at a cost of EUR 52 million and EGP 226 million.
Esmat followed up on the progress of work and developments in the implementation of the development and transformer replacement projects for the High Dam power station, which are being implemented to increase the production capacity from 2,100 megawatts to 2,400 megawatts, with an increase of 300 megawatts from renewable energy, and to achieve annual savings in fuel consumption equivalent to $269 million, as well as to increase the productive life and maintain the operational level of the High Dam station as a clean energy source and a major supporter of the stability of the unified grid within the framework of the energy strategy and to reach the percentage of renewable energy to 42% in 2030 and 65% in 2040.
He reviewed the project to develop and replace the power transformers at the power station and ensured the arrival of supplies and the continuation of work on the remaining transformers. He emphasized the importance of hydroelectric power stations, particularly the High Dam power station, in light of the general policy and firm belief that renewable energy is the path to achieving sustainable development, within the framework of which the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is working.
Engineer Hesham Kamal, Chairman of the Hydropower Plants Company, gave a presentation on the affiliated hydropower plants: Aswan 1, Aswan 2, Nag Hammadi, Esna, and Assiut, in addition to the High Dam power plant with a total capacity of 2,832 megawatts. He explained the latest developments in the development and capacity increase project, the timeline for connecting to the grid, the technical status of each plant, its generating capacity, operational capacity and generated energy determinants, maintenance programs, and training programs for staff. He also explained the connection and integration between all plants within the framework of the operational plan, in addition to future development projects to increase the contribution of hydropower to the renewable energy mix.
The Minister also inspected the components of the High Dam plant, including the control room, the area where the plant is connected to the unified grid at various voltages, and the turbine and main generator hall. The inspection tour included all components of the dam's electrical system.