Egypt's electrical interconnection project with Saudi Arabia — a scheme that will increase grid capacity to 2;000 megawatts — will be launched shortly; according to Mohammed Shaker; Egyptian minister of electricity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the first forum of heads of African investment agencies in Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday; Shaker said that tenders for the implementation of the project have been finalized but the winning company has yet to be announced.
Shaker said that a global consultant will undertake studies to adjust the paths of the power lines.
Transmission lines between the two countries will be established under the DC (direct current) system; the latest in Egypt and the Arab region; he said.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed a cooperation agreement in 2012 to establish the electrical interconnection project.
The project will be the main axis in the Arab electrical linkage; which aims to create an infrastructure for electricity trade between Arab countries.
Shaker said that Egypt has become a center for electrical interconnection after dramatically increasing its power production; "thanks to the presidential support for plans."
