In 2024, Egypt's electricity consumption remains overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with over 85% of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, natural gas contributes more than 80% of the electricity, with oil adding almost 8%. Low-carbon energy sources account for approximately an eighth of Egypt's electricity supply. Among the clean energy sources, hydropower is the largest contributor, providing about 7%, while wind and solar are still in the early stages of their development, making up around 3% and 2%, respectively. The reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution, underscores the importance of expanding the use of clean energy in Egypt.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Egypt?

The growth in electricity consumption in Egypt is evident as the total electricity consumption per person rose to 2036 kWh in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by over 100 kWh. Simultaneously, the low-carbon electricity generation per person saw a modest increase, reaching 244 kWh in 2024, up by 12 kWh from its best record two years prior. Although the upward trends in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption are encouraging, the need for a more substantial shift towards low-carbon sources remains significant to ensure a sustainable and clean energy future for Egypt.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Egypt can benefit from the successes of regions with significant clean energy contributions. Solar energy potential is particularly promising, as shown by Nevada, which produces 33% of its electricity from solar power. This aligns with the potential for abundant sunlight in Egypt. Moreover, nuclear energy offers a reliable alternative, as illustrated by France, where 70% of electricity is generated from nuclear power. By investing in solar and nuclear infrastructure, Egypt can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve its energy sustainability in line with global best practices. This dual approach not only aligns with environmentally responsible practices but also ensures a stable and scalable supply of clean electricity.

History

Historically, Egypt's low-carbon electricity production has been marked by variability, primarily in hydropower. In the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, fluctuations were evident, with notable increases and decreases almost annually. For instance, in the late 1990s, hydroelectricity saw growth in some years but also faced declines like the drop in 2002. In 2019, a significant expansion in wind and solar emerged, combined with a smaller uptick in hydropower, marking a turning point for diverse clean energy. In recent years, wind energy saw a rise again in 2024 alongside a modest boost in hydroelectricity. While past fluctuations in hydroelectric power production highlight the need for a diverse and stable low-carbon energy portfolio, the increased interest in wind and solar presents a hopeful direction for the country's energy future. By building upon these gains, Egypt can fortify its commitment to low-carbon electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade