Doha:Cairo Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is focusing on expanding the 'Shams El-Sena'a' solar initiative, which is a part of Egypt's strategy to increase the use of renewable energy. This initiative aims to reduce energy costs in the industrial sector, diversify energy sources, and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian industries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouly discussed the initiative during a meeting with the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat. The meeting focused on implementing the initiative, which supports the industrial sector's shift to using solar energy. It is part of the Egypt Forum 2026 recommendations to broaden renewable energy use across various sectors.

Madbouly highlighted the need for proper operation and maintenance of solar infrastructure, such as panels and control systems. He also emphasized establishing a national system for implementation and maintenance, as well as training technical personnel. Esmat noted that the initiative seeks to reduce energy costs for factories, lower natural gas consumption, and improve production efficiency, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products both locally and internationally.

Esmat further stated that the initiative plans to establish solar power stations with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts to serve around 7,000 factories. Additionally, there is a separate project for generating electricity through solar panels on government building rooftops, coordinated with various ministries and government agencies. He affirmed that expanding renewable energy use and improving energy efficiency are key elements of Egypt's national energy strategy.

Madbouly also mentioned that the presidential directives aim to extend the initiative's scope beyond factories to include government service buildings and other facilities in future phases.