Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met with Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat to review the action plan for the electricity and petroleum sectors. They also reviewed the preparations, dynamics, and alternatives within the plan to reach the desired goals and ensure electricity supply and stability for the unified grid during periods of peak demand, increased loads, and high temperatures.

The meeting reviewed signs of increased energy demand compared to peaks recorded last year, highlighting the ongoing work of joint committees in tracking future trends to ensure sufficient fuel supply for power plants. It also discussed recent efforts in the electricity sector to shift operational patterns, boost fuel efficiency, reduce conventional fuel consumption, and improve overall performance and energy efficiency.

Badawi emphasized that the meeting reflects integrated government efforts and coordination between the two ministries in the energy sector at large, particularly in ensuring fuel supply for power generation stations. He also outlined the steps taken by the petroleum sector to meet the electricity sector’s requirements for natural gas and mazut (fuel oil).

He noted that specialized ports have been equipped and essential pipelines extended to accommodate Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) at the Ain Sokhna Port. This setup allows for the reception of imported gas shipments, their regasification, and subsequent injection into the national gas grid. He added that parallel efforts are ongoing to secure the required quantities of mazut based on the predefined needs of power stations as outlined by the Ministry of Electricity.

Badawi extended his thanks to the teams in both ministries for their efforts, continuous daily coordination, and developing proactive scenarios to manage and provide the necessary fuel in high temperatures during the summer months.

For his part, Esmat emphasized the ongoing coordination and close cooperation between all concerned government bodies, particularly the Ministries of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and Petroleum and Mineral Resources, to ensure a stable electricity supply. This is especially critical during the summer months, when soaring temperatures drive up electricity demand and place additional pressure on the grid, he noted.

Esmat clarified that efforts are ongoing under the national energy strategy to diversify electricity generation sources, increase reliance on renewables, and maximize its benefits through the use of energy storage technologies. This includes expanding the development of both grid-connected and standalone storage stations to enhance the stability of the electricity grid during peak demand periods.

Additionally, Esmat pointed out that measures were taken to combat the phenomenon of electricity theft and the resulting damage to grid stability due to sudden, unplanned loads causing power outages. He emphasized that his Ministry worked to improve service quality, raise the energy system’s efficiency, enhance performance and operation rates of affiliated companies, ensure stable electricity supply, and meet electricity needs within the framework of the state’s sustainable development plan.