Egypt is accelerating the expansion and modernization of its electricity grid, authorities said on Sunday, as the country grapples with power losses totaling 4.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the past year.
The country’s efforts form part of a broader strategy to secure sustainable energy, strengthen national energy security, and meet growing demand, officials said. At a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat said Egypt is also coordinating with Russian partners to fast-track the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, a central pillar of the country’s Vision 2030 energy plan.
“The nuclear programme remains on schedule and represents a strategic component of Egypt’s energy mix, supporting both rising electricity demand and long-term national security,” Esmat said.
Madbouly emphasized the importance of the electricity and energy sector to Egypt’s broader development agenda, noting its role in improving service quality, attracting investment, and sustaining economic growth.
Grid expansion and modernization
Over the past year, Egyptian authorities completed and integrated 34 new transformer stations of varying voltage levels into the unified national grid, while expansions were carried out at 40 existing stations. The ministry also extended electricity distribution lines by 194,000 kilometres and transmission lines by 5,610 kilometres, enhancing coverage across the country.
The measures aim to improve supply reliability, reduce outages, and accommodate the growing electricity needs of households, industry, and public services. Officials said the expansion also facilitates integration with renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, as Egypt pushes toward a more diversified and sustainable power mix.
Crackdown on electricity theft
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Esmat highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle technical and financial inefficiencies in the electricity sector. Authorities recorded electricity theft totaling 4.6 billion kWh last year, prompting the ministry to install 2.5 million coded meters nationwide to improve monitoring, billing accuracy, and collection efficiency.
“These measures are designed to safeguard resources, reduce losses, and ensure that energy supply is secure and efficient for all users,” Esmat said.
Nuclear energy and Vision 2030
The El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, developed with Russian support, is scheduled to become a cornerstone of Egypt’s low-carbon energy transition. The project aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 goals of meeting rising domestic electricity demand, diversifying the energy mix, and attracting investment in energy infrastructure.
Officials said the government remains committed to implementing policies that promote energy efficiency, expand the national grid, and strengthen oversight of electricity distribution and collection. These initiatives are intended to support sustainable development and create a more resilient energy system capable of meeting the needs of a growing population and industrial base.
Strategic importance
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Energy experts said the grid expansion and nuclear development are critical for Egypt, which faces increasing demand from a population of over 110 million and a rapidly industrializing economy. The focus on reducing losses, modernizing infrastructure, and incorporating advanced metering technology is expected to improve reliability, enhance revenue collection, and encourage private sector investment in the power sector.
By combining grid expansion, digital monitoring, and nuclear energy development, Egypt aims to strengthen energy security, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and ensure long-term sustainability. Authorities said these efforts will also support the country’s climate goals and broader Vision 2030 development strategy.
The ministry’s latest initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring that electricity supply keeps pace with national economic and social priorities.
