Red Sea Governor Walid al-Barqi said that the Egyptian state places great importance on attracting foreign investment by improving the legislative and regulatory environment, thereby supporting clean energy projects.
He stressed the governorate’s commitment to providing all necessary facilitation for investors, particularly in strategic projects.
Barqi’s remarks came during his meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador to Egypt Erik Husem.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Norwegian global company Scatec.
According to a statement on Friday July 17,2026, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy projects, most notably the Shadwan Wind Project, which is being developed on an area of 90 square kilometers in the Red Sea governorate.
The project’s first phase aims to generate 900 megawatts, with direct foreign investment estimated at US$1.2 billion.
The governor added that the Egyptian-Norwegian partnership represents a model for cooperation in sustainable development and technology transfer, while also supporting national employment.
He noted that the Shadwan project will create more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, with 99% of the workforce to be Egyptian.
For his part, Husem asserted his country’s commitment to expanding joint projects in the Red Sea governorate, praising the region’s geographic and investment advantages.
He said Norway views the Red Sea governorate as one of the most promising areas for renewable energy investment, adding that cooperation between the two countries also extends to community development programs, including women’s empowerment initiatives, with the participation of Norwegian companies operating in the Egyptian market.
Scatec officials reviewed the project’s implementation progress, explaining that site preparation and infrastructure works are proceeding according to schedule in preparation for turbine installation. Gradual commercial operation will begin between November 2027 and March 2028, while procedures to obtain Egypt’s “Golden License” are being finalized.
The Norwegian delegation also reviewed the company’s project portfolio in Egypt, which aims to reach a total generating capacity of 5.7 gigawatts from solar and wind power by 2028, in addition to energy storage projects and green ammonia production.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination and follow-up on the implementation of joint projects to further strengthen Egyptian-Norwegian economic cooperation in the fields of energy and sustainable development.
