Engie Accelerates Renewable Energy Expansion in Africa and the Middle East

Edited By: Aminata Diallo

French energy giant Engie has announced the early completion of Africa’s largest wind power facility — the 650-megawatt Red Sea Wind Energy project in Egypt — marking a strategic milestone in its ambitious plans to expand renewable capacity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Completed four months ahead of schedule, the wind farm is now capable of supplying electricity to over one million households annually. The project comes at a critical time for Egypt, which is grappling with electricity shortages and escalating fuel costs. Last year, the country became a net importer of natural gas for the first time, after spending billions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
“This renewable energy is cheaper than burning gas or other fossil fuels. It enables the country to reduce gas consumption, and either cut imports or boost exports,” said François Xavier Boul, Engie’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, in an interview with Reuters.
Facing regulatory slowdowns in Europe and a freeze on offshore wind leases in the United States under President Donald Trump, Engie has shifted its focus to the MENA region to help meet its 2030 goal of 95 GW in installed renewable energy capacity, up from the current 51 GW.
Boul highlighted the region’s accelerated permitting processes, rapid project timelines, and rising energy demand as key reasons for prioritizing investments in countries like Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Red Sea Wind Energy project marks Engie’s second wind initiative in Egypt, with a third, even larger development—exceeding 900 MW—currently in the pipeline.
In 2024, Engie also signed a preliminary agreement with Moroccan state-owned fertilizer giant OCP Group to collaborate on renewable energy ventures, including green hydrogen and ammonia, with project rollouts expected to begin in 2026.
In the short- to medium-term, Boul confirmed that Engie’s regional strategy will concentrate on solar, wind, battery storage, and hybrid energy solutions.
The Red Sea Wind Energy project is co-owned by Engie (35%), Orascom Construction PLC (25%), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%), and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (20%).