Egypt's KarmSolar Launches Solar Grid Project

Egypt-based solar power developer and electricity distributor KarmSolar has announced the commencement of development of Farafra Solar Grid, its second solar grid solution after the Marsa Alam Solar Grid.

Scheduled to start full operations by the third quarter of 2023, Farafra Solar Grid utilizes solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage system, and diesel generators in a centralized setup and distributes the generated electricity to the different off-takers.

The project, which is being implemented through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), will allow for around 60% solar penetration initially with 100% target in three years, thereby offsetting around 5,200 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Phase 1 of the Solar Grid will consist of a 3.4-megawatt peak (MWp) solar PV plant, 3.7 MVA diesel generators, and a 4 MWh/1MW solar battery storage system, the company said in a statement.

Clients for Phase 1 are Juhayna and Nawa for Agricultural Investment, with room for future expansion. The solar grid project has received 83 million Egyptian pounds (US$3 million) in debt financing from HSBC for Phase 1 with the support of Ezdaher Financial Consultancy.

Marsa Alam Solar Grid aims to power resorts across Marsa Alam using grid connectivity and dedicated on-site solar power plant; thereby reducing or eliminating their dependency on diesel generators, according to KarmSolar’s website.