By: Energetica India

French energy company Engie has completed the full commissioning of the Red Sea Wind Energy project in Egypt, currently the largest operational wind farm in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

The 650 MW facility, located near the Gulf of Suez in Ras Ghareb, came online in June 2025, four months ahead of schedule, following a 150 MW expansion phase. Developed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model with a 25-year contract, the wind farm’s 84 turbines are expected to power over one million households and cut Egypt’s annual carbon emissions by around 1.3 million tonnes.

The milestone supports Egypt’s energy diversification strategy, which aims to generate 42 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2035, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Engie’s partners in the project include Orascom Construction (25 percent), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20 percent), and Eurus Energy Holdings (20 percent), with Engie holding 35 percent.

The project was backed by a consortium of international lenders, including the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Norinchukin Bank, Société Générale, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with insurance provided by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance. A long-term power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company ensures 25 years of revenue for the developers.

The Red Sea Wind Energy project was rolled out in phases: 306 MW connected in December 2024, 194 MW in April 2025, and the final 150 MW in June 2025. Engie reported over seven million person-hours without a lost-time injury during construction.

“With the commissioning of Red Sea Wind Energy, Engie now operates nearly 1 GW of wind power capacity in Egypt,” said Paulo Almirante, Engie Executive Vice President. The company is also developing a second wind farm in the Gulf of Suez expected to exceed 900 MW.

Egypt’s renewable energy push aims to reduce dependency on natural gas and meet domestic electricity demand, growing at over 5 percent annually, according to the World Bank.

Globally, Engie reported 52.7 GW of installed renewable and battery energy storage capacity by June 2025, with 8 GW under construction and a 118 GW development pipeline. Despite a 6.4 percent year-on-year fall in EBIT, Engie maintained strong cash flow and reduced net debt, highlighting resilience amid volatile energy markets.

Catherine MacGregor, Engie CEO, said: “Our diversified geographical footprint is a key asset that provides the necessary flexibility to achieve our goals in the current economic and geopolitical context.”

In the UAE, Engie is negotiating a 1.5 GW solar PPA and bidding for a 1.4 GW open-cycle gas turbine project, reflecting its focus on sustainability in line with COP28 commitments.

The Red Sea Wind Energy project sets a benchmark for large-scale renewable infrastructure in the MEA region, combining international finance, regional expertise, and alignment with Egypt’s climate goals.