Egypt’s Minister of Electricity Discusses Energy Efficiency with Schneider Electric

Strengthening Energy Efficiency Across Sectors

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, recently convened with a delegation from Schneider Electric, led by President Sebastian Reyes for North East Africa and the Levant. The meeting focused on expanding energy efficiency initiatives to encompass factories, hospitals, and hotels. This strategic dialogue is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to enhance energy management across multiple sectors.

During the discussions, Esmat and Reyes explored various mechanisms for scaling the energy network, aiming to improve efficiency, optimize electricity usage, and rationalize consumption. These efforts are aligned with Egypt’s energy transition strategy, which seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources, ultimately enhancing electricity supply and sustainability while minimizing waste.

Outcomes of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Project

The dialogue also highlighted the progress of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Project, which was launched in May 2025. This initiative has reportedly led to energy savings between 9% and 22% across various facilities and factories. The project has successfully engaged 25 factories across diverse sectors, including cement, aluminum, textiles, glass, natural gas, food and beverages, electrical equipment, and agriculture.

Esmat emphasized that the government’s commitment to enhancing energy efficiency is a fundamental pillar for achieving energy availability at lower costs. He pointed out that the cost of constructing a single megawatt (MW) of new generation capacity is significantly higher—ranging from five to seven times—than the cost of saving the same amount of power through efficiency measures.

Future Collaborations and Technological Innovations

The meeting concluded with a focus on enhancing performance rates within distribution networks and the latest developments regarding the establishment of control centers across these networks. This initiative is expected to further streamline energy distribution and management.

In 2025, Schneider Electric introduced innovative products aimed at bolstering Egypt’s digital infrastructure, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the energy efficiency initiative in Egypt?

The initiative aims to improve energy management across various sectors, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and enhance sustainability.

What sectors are involved in the Energy Efficiency Improvement Project?

The project involves factories in cement, aluminum, textiles, glass, natural gas, food and beverages, electrical equipment, and agriculture.

How much energy savings has the project achieved?

The project has resulted in energy savings ranging from 9% to 22% across participating facilities.

Why is energy efficiency considered cost-effective?

Esmat highlighted that saving power through efficiency measures is significantly cheaper than building new generation capacity.

What innovations did Schneider Electric introduce in 2025?

Schneider Electric rolled out innovative products to support Egypt’s digital infrastructure.