Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat met with Adrian Guggisberg, CEO of the Power Sector at global technology company ABB, along with an accompanying delegation, to discuss strengthening cooperation in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and modernizing Egypt's power infrastructure. The meeting comes as part of the Ministry's comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality and stability of electricity supply, reduce technical and commercial losses across all sectors, and improve service delivery for subscribers. It reflects ongoing efforts to transition Egypt's grid into a smart, sustainable energy system that meets growing demand while aligning with the country's sustainable development goals. During the meeting, both sides discussed joint work in enhancing energy efficiency, preventing power losses, and improving overall performance in electricity distribution networks. They explored the integration of modern technologies into control centers and smart metering systems, as well as strategies for better load and consumption management. Esmat also emphasized the importance of capacity-building for sector employees and efficient asset management for electricity distribution companies. Talks also focused on converting existing factories to operate on renewable energy sources. In this context, ABB presented a plan to transform its factories in Egypt into environmentally friendly, net-zero industrial facilities. The company's ongoing and planned contributions to national infrastructure and renewable energy projects were also reviewed. A key part of the discussion involved the activation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to strengthening Egypt's electricity grid through the use of advanced high-voltage technologies. This includes high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) systems, which are essential to expanding the grid's capacity, improving efficiency, and preparing for power interconnection projects—particularly with Europe. The Minister and the ABB delegation further examined prospects for modernizing control centers, upgrading electricity distribution networks, and deploying real-time monitoring and operation systems. They discussed energy management programs and the use of technology to enhance load distribution and manage daily consumption more effectively. Esmat reviewed ongoing areas of cooperation with ABB, its current projects with Egypt's electricity sector, and the company's future investment plans. He praised ABB's products and technologies, noting their high efficiency in improving energy performance and reducing losses. Particular attention was given to proposals aimed at minimizing low-voltage losses through the use of smart metering systems, which play a critical role in reducing wasted energy across residential, commercial, and public lighting sectors. He outlined the Ministry's broader efforts to ensure a stable, continuous, and reliable power supply while advancing the use of renewable energy, reducing fuel consumption, and improving operational efficiency. Esmat affirmed that modernizing Egypt's unified electricity grid and increasing its capacity to accommodate new generation—especially from renewable sources—remains a top priority in light of growing consumption and rising demand. He stressed the Ministry's commitment to adopting advanced technologies and modern systems to support sustainability and service quality. He also reiterated that the Ministry continues to provide all necessary support to encourage private sector participation in the energy sector, which plays a vital role in the implementation of strategic projects. These discussions come within the framework of Egypt's national energy strategy and sustainable development plan, which emphasize the importance of grid development and the gradual transition from a traditional power system to a smart grid capable of supporting the country's long-term energy and economic goals.
