French renewable energy independent power producer ENGIE has announced the start of commercial operations at its 500 MW Red Sea Wind Farm in Egypt. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Suez in Ras Ghareb, the project is now Africa’s largest wind energy facility.
ENGIE developed the 500MW wind facility in partnership with Egypt’s Orascom Construction, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation. The project reached commercial operations six months ahead of schedule, demonstrating the consortium’s efficient execution.
The Red Sea Wind Farm is expected to deliver clean energy to more than one million Egyptian households. The ENGIE-led consortium also plans to expand the project from 500 MW to 650 MW.
The consortium has also reached financial close for the 150 MW expansion, with funding secured from the same partners behind the original 500 MW project. Financing includes support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Norinchukin Bank, Société Générale S.A. (under Nippon Export and Investment Insurance/NEXI coverage), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
“We are committed to replicating the same level of operational excellence for Red Sea Wind Energy’s expansion, relying on our Egyptian partners and the consortium’s operational excellence,” said Paulo Almirante, ENGIE’s Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Renewables & Energy Management.
The Red Sea Wind Energy farm will bolster Egypt’s renewable energy transition, supporting the nation’s goal to source 42% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 while cutting CO₂ emissions by roughly 1.3 million tons annually.
This milestone extends the consortium’s track record in the region. The expansion represents their second project in Ras Ghareb, building on the 262.5 MW wind farm operational from 2019. With this addition, ENGIE’s total installed wind capacity in Egypt will reach 912.5 MW, cementing the Group’s leadership in renewable energy across Africa and the Middle East.
ENGIE holds a 35% stake in the Red Sea Wind Energy consortium and serves as the technical and project management lead, leveraging its renewable energy expertise. The remaining shares are distributed among Orascom Construction PLC (25%), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%), and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (20%).
