Egypt to witness leap in solar, wind energy in 2016

Minister of Electricity Mohamed Shaker said on Saturday that electricity generated from solar and wind power is expected to hit unprecedented levels in 2016.

Cairo and Moscow are finalizing their negotiations over building four nuclear reactors expected, the minister said, adding the new power plants are expected to join the electricity network in 2025.

Speaking to Sky News Arabia TV Channel, Shaker said the government has put plans on renewal energy generation to hit 20 percent in 2020.

The minister added that new laws were enacted to encourage investment in the field.

About 4,300 megawatts will be added to the network within two years, he said.

Egypt was elected to chair the general assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016.

Egypt's Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker is leading a high-level delegation in the proceedings of the sixth assembly of the IRENA, which is running today and tomorrow in Abu Dhabi.