Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently celebrated the completion of 80 percent of its of El Atf and Sidi Krir Power Plants Upgrade.

JICA Chief Representative, Omura Yoshifumi, noted that the two projects, implemented by Mitsubishi Power back in 2009, continue to function in good condition, achieving a 17.5 percent power increase and enhanced efficiency through this project.

This is evidence of the sustainability and reliability of Japanese technology, praised Yoshifumi.

JICA also celebrated the conclusion of the new Long-Term Service and Supply Agreement for 3 Power Stations in Middle Delta, West Delta and North Cairo by Mitsubishi Power.

In mid-2019, completion of the rehabilitation of the Cairo North Power Plant was also realized under the same project, while full completion of Sidi-Krir and Al-Atf targeted in November 2021.

The projects are under the framework of the Electricity Sector’s Rehabilitation and Improvement Project, which is financed by the JICA with an amount totaling around $400 million for the power plant projects.

These include upgrades increasing the plants’ output, improving their power generation efficiency, and reducing facility downtime.

The ceremony was attended by Gaber Dessouki, Chairman of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and NOKE Masaki, Ambassador of Japan to Egypt, as well as Carlos Peton, CEO of Mitsubishi Power Europe.

The attendees included also representatives from West Delta Electricity Production Company (WDEPC), which operates the Sidi Krir complex as a subordinate of EEHC; and officials from the competent Egyptian authorities

Yoshifumi also emphasized that this project adds to the success stories the JICA has with the government of Egypt and the record of Japan’s cooperation in this crucial sector, which has realized great advancement, reform, and stability under the leadership of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

The project an important role in reducing greenhouse emissions through upgrading the equipment of the existing thermal power plants, and recover the installed capacity of the existing thermal power plants.

By doing this, it will contribute to the stability of electricity supply and economic and social development and climate change mitigation in Egypt. 

Dessouki said that the Rehabilitation and improvement of the existing plants is regarded as a useful means since it often requires less time and is more cost-effective than construction of new power plants. He hailed the fruitful cooperation with JICA along many years.