A 1.4MWp solar power system has been commissioned at the Esh El Mallaha petroleum facility in Hurghada, Egypt, providing clean electricity for oil field operations in one of the country’s harsh desert environments.
The project was deployed by Sungrow in partnership with ACO and Korra Energi and is designed to reduce dependence on diesel-powered generation while improving energy reliability for critical petroleum operations.
Founded in 1997, Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. is a leading global renewable energy company specializing in the research and development, production, sales, and servicing of renewable energy equipment. The company operates in more than 100 countries and regions through over 20 international subsidiaries, four major manufacturing bases, and seven research and development centres.
The newly commissioned installation combines advanced solar generation technology with digital monitoring capabilities to optimize performance. The system uses nine SG150CX string inverters equipped with multiple maximum power point tracking (MPPT) functions, enabling the facility to capture more solar energy throughout the day.
Operators can also monitor system performance in real time through a digital platform that supports predictive maintenance, helping reduce equipment downtime and operational disruptions.
Remote oil facilities grapple with power challenges as Egypt accelerates renewable energy ambitions
Egypt has a long-established petroleum industry that plays a significant role in the national economy. The country serves as both a major oil and gas producer and a strategic regional energy hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
According to industry data, Egypt’s proven hydrocarbon production stood at approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (mmboe/d) at the end of 2024, while proven natural gas reserves were estimated at 64.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf). These resources continue to underpin the country’s industrial and energy sectors.
However, many petroleum facilities, particularly those located in remote desert and offshore locations, continue to face significant power-related challenges. Operations often rely heavily on diesel generators, leading to elevated fuel costs, complicated supply logistics, and increased carbon emissions.
Limited access to stable grid infrastructure in remote regions further compounds the challenge, as operators require continuous electricity to support drilling, pumping, monitoring, and processing activities. Extreme temperatures, dust storms, and fluctuating energy demands also place additional strain on conventional power systems.
At the same time, Egypt is accelerating its transition toward cleaner energy sources. The country has revised its renewable energy targets upward and now aims to generate 42 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and more than 60 percent by 2040, leveraging solar, wind, hydropower, and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen.
Against this backdrop, onsite renewable energy projects are increasingly being viewed as a practical solution for improving operational efficiency while reducing emissions across industrial sectors.
“The oil and gas sector is increasingly focused on improving energy efficiency and operational resilience while managing emissions and cost exposure. This project demonstrates how onsite solar generation can be integrated into existing power systems to reduce reliance on diesel in facility-level operations,” said Aya Zanaty, Chairman of ACO.
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The Esh El Mallaha solar installation is expected to generate approximately 125 MWh of electricity annually while preventing around 125 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project is expected to lower dependence on diesel fuel transportation and improve energy stability for critical oil field operations.
The development highlights the growing role renewable energy can play in supporting industrial activities in extreme environments and offers a model for future clean-energy integration across Egypt’s oil and gas sector as the country advances its long-term sustainability and energy transition goals.
