CAIRO: Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab inaugurated Tuesday Ataka power plant, which was built by Siemens in collaboration with the local partner Elsewedy Power System Projects (PSP,) MENA reported.
Constructed in less than 6 months, the 650-MW power plant was completed weeks earlier than the scheduled deadline.
The power plant is located in Suez governorate, and is within the fast-track electricity plan of Egypt, aimed to meet the country’s need of power.
Ataka power plant will rely on the E-Class Siemens turbines, which are highly flexible in terms of fuel consumption and reliability, according to the company’s statement in June.
“Egypt’s fast-track electricity plan reflects the commitment towards developing a strong and stable electricity grid, trusted to support the country’s current sustainable development processes,” said senior vice president at Siemens Egypt, Emad Ghaly.
On May 26, Egypt’s Cabinet approved a contract between the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and Siemens to establish three combined cycle power plants, with a total capacity of 14,400 megawatts.
Rolling blackouts in Egypt have become routine in the past few years, especially during the peak usage season in the summer, a crisis largely attributed to fuel shortages.