Siemens has connected 4.8GW of power generation capacity to Egyptian national electricity grid by completing the first phase of a mega project in the country ahead of schedule, Energy Business Review reported.

The German company has achieved a power surplus of 400MW; which is nearly 10% more than the committed capacity of 4.4GW in the contract signed in June 2015 for the expansion of Egypt’s power supply, ESI Africa informed.

According to Siemens, the surplus 400MW is enough to power over one million people in the country. Siemens Egypt CEO, Emad Ghaly, said: “The plants will supply enough electricity for 45m people and enable Egypt to achieve $1.3b in fuel savings on an annual basis.”

He also said: “with these projects, we provide an essential contribution to stabilize both the energy supply and the economy in our country, which has an outstanding importance for the whole Middle East region and Africa.”

“The three power plants Beni Suef, Burullus, and the New Capital are slated to be completed in May, 2018. The plants, each with a capacity of 4.8GW, will be powered with 24 Siemens H-Class gas turbines, which are known for their high output and efficiency.”