The Egyptian government announced that the electricity interconnection project between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has entered its final stage, paving the way for the launch of the first phase, RT reported on Sunday.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, on Sunday, to review the implementation status of the Egyptian-Saudi electricity interconnection project and the latest developments in its various aspects, in preparation for its launch.
Esmat indicated that the project is being finalized for the imminent launch of the first phase, which will exchange 1,500 megawatts, and this will be followed a few months later by the launch of the second phase, which will exchange 3,000 megawatts.
This announcement follows a series of rapid developments, with trial operations commencing this December and completion rates exceeding 95 percent in November, along with successful technical tests on the lines and substations.
Official sources also confirmed that gradual load testing is currently underway, with full trial operation of the first line expected to begin in the first week of January 2026.
This will enhance the electrical stability of both countries during peak periods.
Massive interconnection project
The Egyptian-Saudi electricity interconnection project is the largest interconnection project in the Middle East, with a total cost of approximately $1.8 billion.
It spans over 1,350 kilometers and includes overhead lines and submarine cables across the Gulf of Aqaba using high-voltage direct current technology.
The initial agreement was signed in 2012, and actual implementation resumed recently with the support of international consortia including companies such as Hitachi Energy and Orascom Construction.
The project aims to capitalize on the difference in peak demand times between the two grids—Egypt’s summer peak and Saudi Arabia’s winter peak—ensuring fuel savings, enhancing grid reliability, and paving the way for a common Arab electricity market.
The Egyptian-Saudi project is seen as the nucleus of a broader regional interconnection linking Africa, Asia, and Europe, while supporting renewable energy goals in both countries.
It includes three main substations: Badr, east of Cairo; Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; and Medina, Saudi Arabia.
