The minister confirmed the completion of testing for the
western tower and the start of the final stage of installing the eastern tower.
This is in preparation for operation and connection to the electricity grids of
both countries before the end of this year.
Engineer Mona Rizk, Chairwoman of the Egyptian Electricity
Transmission Company; Engineer Sami Abu Warda, Chairman of the Canal
Electricity Distribution Company; and Engineer Ashraf Youssef, Chairman of the
East Delta Electricity Production Company, attended the tour. Dr. Esmat
received a detailed briefing from the site official on the schedule for laying
the canal crossing line, the completion of tests along the overhead
interconnection line, and adherence to the timeline for actual operation.
Dr. Esmat also reviewed the current status of the project.
He examined the completion rates of the final testing and trial stages, the
Badr transformer station, the Taba 2 substation, and the 500 kV Badr-Taba 2
overhead line, which spans approximately 320 km. He checked submarine and
underground cable works, medium and low voltage cable installations, AC-DC
electrical supply works, control panel operations, cable termination
installations, control panel testing, drainage and water networks, OPGW optical
fiber works, and other progress at the stations and the connection line. These
efforts prepare the network for operation and ensure sustainable solutions for
grid stability and improved power quality.
Dr. Esmat said the Egyptian-Saudi electricity
interconnection project receives direct attention and follow-up from President
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The project enhances the efficiency and stability of the
unified electricity grid and uses generation capacities in Egypt and Saudi
Arabia during peak load periods. He stressed that the interconnection links the
two largest electricity grids in the region and forms the foundation for a
comprehensive Arab electricity network. The project aims to establish an
integrated electricity grid between the two countries, allowing efficient and
flexible power exchange and paving the way for a common Arab electricity
market.
The electricity sector is working under a clear vision and
comprehensive plan to improve energy system efficiency, provide urgent and
sustainable solutions for grid stability, and raise service quality. Dr. Esmat
highlighted interconnection projects with Europe via electricity networks in
Greece and Italy, alongside expanding reliance on renewable energy and reducing
fossil fuel use.
The Egyptian-Saudi electricity interconnection project, with
a capacity of 3,000 megawatts, is the first of its kind in the Middle East in
scale, manufacturing technology, operation, and use on interconnection lines.
The Suez Canal crossing towers reach 205 meters in height. The project includes
three major high-voltage transformer stations: the first in eastern Medina,
Saudi Arabia, the second in Tabuk, and the third in Badr City, east of Cairo.
These stations are connected by overhead lines spanning approximately 1,350 km
and additional submarine cables.