Energy

Infinity Power and HAU Energy have successfully secured a debt financing package of up to US$566mn.

As Egypt accelerates its transition towards a low-carbon economy, the nation’s renewable energy landscape has achieved a monumental milestone.

Infinity Power and HAU Energy have successfully secured a debt financing package of up to US$566mn. This capital is dedicated to the development of the Nefer Minya Solar PV Project, an endeavour poised to become the largest solar power plant in Egypt and the African continent.

The transition to green energy across North Africa is increasingly focused on ensuring electricity remains available long after the sun sets. The Nefer Minya development addresses this challenge directly. Located in Minya, the pioneering project pairs immense solar generation capabilities with cutting-edge battery technology to strengthen national energy security.

Unprecedented scale and storage capabilities

To understand the scale of the Nefer Minya facility, it is essential to look at the core specifications that distinguish it from previous infrastructure developments in the region:

• Massive solar capacity: The site will boast 1.2 GWp of solar photovoltaic generation capacity.

• Advanced battery storage: The project integrates a colossal 600 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

• Peak demand support: The facility will store electricity during peak daylight hours, deploying it precisely when grid demand surges after sunset.

• Long-term reliability: Output is secured via a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company.

Mobilising international capital for green infrastructure

Funding an infrastructure project of this magnitude requires robust international cooperation, highlighting global confidence in the Egyptian renewable energy sector. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) arranged up to US$265mn of the total package. This includes US$160mn from the EBRD’s own funds, alongside US$75mn mobilised from the Bank of Jordan. Furthermore, the Clean Technology Fund has provided up to US$30Mn in concessional financing. The remainder of the US$566Mn package is being supplied by prominent international development finance institutions, including DEG, FMO, and Proparco.

Driving sustainable growth and grid resilience

The leadership behind the joint venture views this financial close as a transformative moment for regional infrastructure. Eng. Nayer Fouad, Co-Founder and CEO of Infinity Power, commented:

“This landmark financing reflects strong confidence in Egypt’s renewable energy sector and Infinity Power’s ability to deliver large-scale clean energy infrastructure. As the largest solar PV project in Egypt and Africa, paired with one of the country’s first utility-scale battery energy storage systems, Nefer Minya will strengthen energy security, enhance grid resilience and support Egypt’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Together with HAU Energy and our financing partners, we are proud to deliver this flagship project as we advance towards our goal of 10 GW of operational renewable energy capacity by 2032 and expand access to affordable, reliable clean energy across Africa.”

Dalia Wahba, CEO of Hassan Allam Utilities, commented:

“Securing this financing package shows what strong partnerships can achieve in mobilising capital for transformative energy infrastructure. Egypt has set a clear ambition to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and Hassan Allam Utilities is committed to helping drive that agenda by delivering green, reliable infrastructure across the country. Through HAU Energy, alongside Infinity Power and our financing partners, we are combining large-scale solar generation with battery storage to provide clean power that is available when the grid needs it most. Every megawatt-hour we produce reduces reliance on imported fuel, strengthens Egypt's energy security and builds a more competitive foundation for sustainable growth.”

Beyond the financial and technological triumphs, the Nefer Minya project promises profound socio-economic and environmental benefits for the Egyptian population. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate enough clean electricity to sustainably power more than 1.4 million homes every single year. Simultaneously, it will prevent the release of over 1.5 million tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions annually. By substituting imported, carbon-heavy fuels with an abundant domestic solar resource, Egypt is decisively laying the groundwork for a more resilient, highly competitive, and environmentally responsible future on the African continent.

The project was inaugurated under the patronage and in the presence of Mr. Fırat Gorgel, Mayor of Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality.

Hosting large displaced populations places an immense, long-term strain on municipal grids and public budgets, prompting local authorities to look towards renewable energy as a permanent solution.

In the Republic of Turkey, a new Solar Power Plant Project has officially been inaugurated in Kahramanmaraş Province, bringing 6 megawatts of clean generation capacity online to power refugee camps and temporary accommodation facilities. Built with the participation of the Kuwait Fund for Development through a US$4mn allocation, the facility directly addresses the energy demands of humanitarian shelters while easing the wider economic and environmental pressures faced by the local municipality.

Rather than relying on short-term emergency relief, regional response strategies to the Syrian crisis are increasingly anchoring their efforts in permanent, sustainable infrastructure. When municipalities absorb thousands of displaced residents, the basic costs of heating and cooling temporary shelters can quickly drain civic resources. By generating electricity directly from renewable sources in the Pazarcık district, the Kahramanmaraş facility lowers everyday municipal energy consumption and cuts carbon emissions. More importantly, it establishes a self-sustaining model that strengthens the resilience of host communities as they navigate ongoing social and economic challenges.

Key Specifications and Grant Allocation

Delivered through a partnership between the Kuwait Fund for Development and the Republic of Turkey—represented locally by the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality—the initiative forms part of a broader financial package designed to upgrade both physical utilities and community infrastructure. The key operational and financial details include:

• Project Location: Pazarcık district, Kahramanmaraş Province, Republic of Turkey.

• Generation Capacity: A maximum output of 6 megawatts derived from renewable solar energy.

• Solar Plant Funding: US$4mn allocated specifically for the construction of the solar power plant.

• Total Grant Value: US$10mn extended by the Kuwait Fund to support the Turkey refugee and resilience plan in response to the Syrian crisis.

• Core Energy Objectives: Meeting the heating and cooling requirements of camps and temporary accommodation facilities, lowering overall energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable energy adoption.

• Complementary Social Projects: Alongside the solar facility, the USD 10 million grant finances three community-focused developments: the Children’s Library and Arts Centre, the Guidance, Counselling and Career Planning Centre, and the Youth and Sports Centre.

Balancing Clean Utilities with Social Infrastructure

What makes the Kahramanmaraş programme particularly noteworthy for regional urban planning is how it pairs utility-scale renewable generation with civic amenities. While the 6-megawatt solar array tackles the immediate physical demand for climate control inside temporary accommodation facilities, the remaining US$6mn of the grant targets human development.

Investing in a Children’s Library and Arts Centre, a dedicated Guidance, Counselling and Career Planning Centre, and a Youth and Sports Centre ensures that the host municipality receives lasting educational and recreational assets. By improving the quality of public services available to residents, these combined initiatives work to raise living conditions and foster long-term stability across the affected areas.

Municipal Leadership and Diplomatic Backing

The official inauguration ceremony highlighted the role of international cooperation in delivering municipal infrastructure. Held under the patronage and in the presence of Mr. Fırat Gorgel, Mayor of Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality, the event was attended by a visiting delegation from the Kuwait Fund for Development alongside H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Marzouq Al-Shabou, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Turkey.

Addressing attendees during the ceremony, Mr. Fırat Gorgel emphasised that the Kahramanmaraş Solar Power Plant represents a substantial addition to the city’s sustainable development efforts. The Mayor expressed his appreciation for the financial support provided by the Kuwait Fund for Development, noting that the funding was instrumental in bringing the vital project to fruition. He further observed that the initiative reflects the depth of friendship between the Republic of Turkey and the State of Kuwait, demonstrating the value of international partnerships in backing development projects that leave a lasting local impact.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Al-Shabou stated that the facility embodies the commitment of the State of Kuwait, acting through the Kuwait Fund for Development, to supporting sustainable development projects that bolster the resilience of host communities in addressing local challenges and contribute to improving the overall quality of services provided to them.

A Long-Standing Mandate for Development Finance

The completion of the Pazarcık solar array aligns with a six-decade history of international development financing in the region. Established in 1961, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was the first institution in the Middle East to take an active role in international development efforts. Operating through concessionary loans and targeted grants, the organisation finances essential infrastructure across developing countries, continuing its ongoing efforts to support stability and sustainable recovery in areas affected by the Syrian refugee crisis.

Kingdom Konsult of Qatar and The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia have joined forces to officially bring B100 biofuel to the Qatari market.

Global energy markets are experiencing a profound transformation, driven by an urgent need for decarbonisation and geopolitical resilience.

Against this backdrop of energy diversification, a groundbreaking exclusive partnership has emerged to accelerate the transition to sustainable alternative fuels in the Middle East. Announced recently during the prestigious AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai, Kingdom Konsult of Qatar and The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia have joined forces to officially bring B100 biofuel to the Qatari market. This historic collaboration signifies a major leap forward for environmental resilience in the Gulf region.

The strategic shift towards biofuels

Expanding the range of available energy solutions is a strategic priority for modern economies. Biofuels provide a highly practical pathway to decarbonise operations that are currently dependent on traditional diesel, ultimately strengthening regional supply chains and ensuring operational continuity. This Qatar–Saudi partnership marks a significant milestone in regional alternative energy adoption, moving beyond theoretical frameworks into tangible, real-world deployment.

Miss Katina Aghayan, Chairman and Founder of Kingdom Konsult, explains the broader significance: “We are proud to pioneer bringing B100 biofuel to Qatar through this strategic partnership with The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia. Biofuel and alternative energy today are not only about sustainability and reducing emissions; they are increasingly connected to energy security, geopolitical resilience and the need for diversified and reliable energy solutions. This partnership creates a strong bridge between Saudi biofuel expertise and the Qatar market, demonstrating how GCC cooperation can turn the energy transition into practical implementation.”

Aligning with national sustainability goals

The introduction of B100 biofuel directly supports the environmental development objectives outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030. Specifically, it heavily aligns with the state's ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the year 2030, demonstrating a firm commitment to sustainable national development.

Mr. Abdullah Al Otaibi, CEO of The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia, said: “We are delighted to partner with Kingdom Konsult to bring The Biofuel’s B100 to the Qatar market. This collaboration combines our biofuel production and technical capabilities with Kingdom Konsult’s market expertise and stakeholder engagement in Qatar. We believe B100 can provide organisations with a practical alternative fuel solution while supporting wider ambitions for decarbonisation, energy diversification and resilience.”

Sector-wide practical implementation

This exclusive collaboration divides responsibilities to ensure smooth integration across multiple sectors. Kingdom Konsult will spearhead market development, stakeholder engagement, and commercial opportunities within Qatar. In tandem, The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia will supply the B100 biofuel alongside the necessary technical expertise, certifications, and deployment support.

The partnership targets a comprehensive range of sectors across the nation. Key target areas for B100 biofuel deployment include:

• Government and semi-government entities
• Transportation and logistics
• Industrial operations and infrastructure
• Education, construction, and hospitality
• Sports facilities and major events

To facilitate adoption, both organisations plan to launch biofuel pilot projects and demonstrations, paving the way for commercial-scale deployments.

Mr. Gary Hubbard FCILT, SVP Commercial & Operations of The Biofuel Company Ltd, added: “The energy transition requires solutions that can move from ambition to real-world application. B100 biofuel provides an opportunity for organisations to reduce the carbon footprint of diesel-dependent operations while maintaining operational practicality. Together with Kingdom Konsult, we look forward to developing the Qatar market and demonstrating the commercial, operational and environmental value that biofuel can deliver.”

The power of GCC-to-GCC cooperation

This initiative illustrates the vital role of cross-border collaboration in cultivating a lower-carbon regional energy ecosystem. Both organisations bring unique strengths to the table:

The Biofuel Company of Saudi Arabia's Capabilities:

• Operates as the largest high-quality biodiesel refinery in the GCC with a monthly capacity of 3KT.
• Produces sustainable B100 fuel from locally collected used cooking oil, meeting stringent EN14214 standards.
• Actively supplies international markets and Saudi Giga projects.

Kingdom Konsult's Expertise:

• Operates as a global boutique consultancy specialising in the circular economy and sustainability strategy.
• Connects technology with corporate operations to drive ESG reporting and decarbonisation efforts.
• Introduces patented green innovations in recycling and clean energy to the regional market.

By merging these operational and consulting strengths, this alliance establishes a robust framework for energy diversification, providing organisations with reliable, sustainable fuel solutions that reflect the future of the Gulf's evolving energy landscape.

El Gouna Red Sea, the flagship year-round destination developed by Orascom Development Egypt, which has officially announced the opening of its latest green infrastructure project, Solarize-2.

The global hospitality sector is undergoing a profound transformation, with green energy integration moving from a niche consideration to a core operational strategy.

In Egypt, the push for sustainable tourism and urban development is taking significant strides forward. Leading this shift along the coast is El Gouna Red Sea, the flagship year-round destination developed by Orascom Development Egypt, which has officially announced the opening of its latest green infrastructure project, Solarize-2.

This new solar power facility marks a pivotal milestone in the resort town’s long-term sustainability journey, cementing its position as a pioneer in eco-friendly coastal development. By investing heavily in renewable energy, the destination is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a formidable benchmark for the broader regional tourism industry.

Scaling renewable capacity: The Solarize Projects

At the heart of El Gouna’s green transition is a phased approach to solar energy expansion. The newly commissioned Solarize-2 facility represents a substantial upgrade to the town’s local energy grid. Developed in strategic partnership with SolarizEgypt, this facility adds significant capacity to the existing infrastructure.

Key project details and figures include:

• An impressive 8.6 megawatts (MW) of new solar capacity added through the Solarize-2 facility.

• A foundational 7.2 MW of capacity already established by the initial Solarize-1 project.

• A cumulative installed solar capacity of 15.8 MW now powering the integrated resort town.

• A strategic target for El Gouna to source more than 15 per cent of its total local energy requirements from renewable sources throughout 2026.

These capacity increases are essential for a rapidly expanding destination. As El Gouna continues to attract more residents and tourists, its overall electricity demands will inevitably grow. Consequently, the town has already outlined plans for additional solar installations in the future, ensuring that the share of renewable energy scales harmoniously with the town's physical expansion.

Strategic partnerships and private investment

The transition to renewable energy relies heavily on robust collaboration between developers, energy specialists, and equity investors. The delivery of Solarize-2 is a testament to this collaborative model. Ayman Waheed, CEO of SolarizEgypt, noted that the successful operation of the second solar plant reflects the strength of the companies' long-standing partnership and demonstrates the potential to scale privately financed renewable-energy infrastructure.

Furthermore, Energya Industries played a critical role as a major equity investor and owner in the Solarize-2 asset. Representatives from Elsewedy added that Energya Industries aims to expand its presence across the energy value chain while investing in technologies and infrastructure for Egypt and the region. This private-sector involvement is crucial for delivering the large-scale capital required to transition entire resort towns away from fossil fuels.

Financing the sustainability journey

Behind the physical solar panels and operational milestones lies a sophisticated green financing strategy. Funding such ambitious infrastructure requires significant capital backing, and Orascom Development Egypt has actively sought out sustainable finance mechanisms to support its long-term vision.

Recently, this long-term investment strategy has included a $155 million sustainability-linked loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This substantial financial package incorporates stringent environmental and resource-efficiency targets, ensuring that the developer remains accountable to its ecological commitments. By aligning its financial obligations with its sustainability goals, the organisation is ensuring that environmental stewardship is embedded at the highest corporate level.

Setting a regional benchmark for green tourism

The broader implications of the Solarize-2 launch extend beyond the borders of El Gouna. As the global climate crisis intensifies, holidaymakers and property investors are increasingly prioritising destinations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to the environment. The Red Sea region, renowned for its fragile marine ecosystems, requires particularly sensitive development strategies.

By generating 15.8 MW of clean energy locally, El Gouna is actively reducing its reliance on traditional power grids and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. This proactive approach to eco-tourism proves that luxury travel and environmental responsibility can coexist. As the resort town continues to pioneer solar integration, it offers a replicable blueprint for other coastal developments. Ultimately, the successful commissioning of Solarize-2 serves as a powerful reminder that the future of travel and urban living must be fundamentally green.