In Egypt, the Industrial Modernization Center (IMC) has just approved the construction of a small solar power plant to supply the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Zagazig in the governorate of Ach-Charqiya. The construction of this grid-connected facility is part of the Egypt-PV project, initiated by IMC in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Launched three years ago, the Egypt-PV project aims to install small grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems for households and small and medium-sized enterprises. “The project will catalyze the development of the market for small-scale, decentralized and grid-connected renewable energy generation in Egypt, and in particular solar PV. The objective is to facilitate the installation of at least 4 MWp of new private decentralised PV capacity during the life of the project,” said Egypt-PV officials.
A total of 144 small solar power plants will be built in 13 governorates. The solar photovoltaic plant to be installed at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Zagazig will cover the roofs of six buildings, with an expected capacity of 90 kWp. This installation will enable the Faculty to save on its electricity bills. In addition, the plant is expected to avoid the emission of 96 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
According to the managers of this research and higher education institute, the small solar photovoltaic project offers a training opportunity to the students, engineers and technicians of the faculty, and will allow the enrichment of scientific research in the fields of renewable energies and sustainable development.
Jean Marie Takouleu