ENERGY: EGYPT; 5 INT'L COMPANIES BID FOR WIND POWER PLANTS

By ANSAmed

Five international companies launched bids to establish wind-operated power plants in Egypt, the Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younis said. This came after studies on wind Atlas proved that Egypt is a suitable place for the plants. A number of studies are underway to consider the possibility of establishing such a kind of plants in the areas of the Suez Gulf (by the red sea), the Western Desert and New Valley (600 km south west of Cairo), the minister added following his meeting today with leaders of Egypt's New and Renewable Energy Authority. About 310 megawatts generated from wind-operated plants were linked to the national electricity grid, he said, adding that other 240 megawatts will be linked to the grid this year. In cooperation with Germany, Japan and Spain, some projects are being implemented in Jabal al-Zeit area and will be linked to the national grid this year, Younis pointed out. "Egypt welcomes all companies willing to invest in the wind farm project", he noted. "Such projects come as part of Egypt's strategy to produce 20% of Egypt's electricity from wind power by 2020, the minister stated.