Egypt’s utility projects keep pace
11 February 2025

The overall value of awarded contracts in Egypt's power and water sector in 2024 doubled to $3.9bn compared to the previous year.
Water project contract awards significantly decelerated while power contract awards soared in 2024, according to the latest available data from regional projects tracker MEED Projects.
Egypt's water sector awarded just $113m-worth of contracts in 2024, compared to close to $1.3bn in 2023. Contract awards in the power sector, on the other hand, increased by more than five-fold to reach $3.8bn in 2024.
Power contract awards
Egypt awarded several solar, wind, nuclear and transmission and distribution contracts in 2024, including a 1,000MW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 100MW battery energy storage system plant to be developed by Norway's Scatec.
The Norwegian renewable energy developer also agreed to develop another 1,000MW solar PV farm with aluminium producer Egyptalum.
Red Sea Wind Energy, the project company developing a 500MW onshore wind farm in the Gulf of Suez, managed to obtain financing for a 150MW extension of the project.
Red Sea Wind Energy is a consortium of France’s Engie, which holds a 35% stake; the local Orascom Construction, which holds 25%; Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corporation with 20%; and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation with 20%.
According to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, a total loan of $106m is co-financed with the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Norinchukin Bank, and France's Societe Generale.
Japan’s Nippon Export & Investment Insurance has also agreed to provide insurance for the loans.
On the nuclear power generation front, civil construction works are ongoing for the reactors of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant in Matrouh.
Russia's Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division appointed Northern Construction Department, a division of Titan-2 Holding, as the main contractor for the $563m civil works supporting the main and auxiliary buildings and structures of the nuclear islands for units three and four of the El-Dabaa plant.
Rosatom also appointed SC SEM, another Titan-2 Holding division, as the main contractor for the $421m package to undertake electrical installation works and foundation grounding systems for units three and four.
Other key projects awarded in 2024 include the 300MW Alexandria wind power plant and the 200MW Ras Ghareb wind farm.
Water sector
Egypt remains one of the most water-stressed states in the Middle East and North Africa region, with an annual water deficit of about 7 billion cubic metres, according to Unicef, and only 500 cubic metres of renewable water resources per capita a year, according to the Food & Agriculture Organisation.
Despite this, the procurement of water desalination public-private partnership (PPP) projects to augment the potable water supply continues to face delays.
In 2023, the Sovereign Fund of Egypt prequalified 17 teams and companies to bid for the contracts to develop up to 8.85 million cubic metres a day of renewable energy-powered desalination capacity in the North African state.
MEED reported in July 2024 that the technical consultant for these schemes was undertaking final assessments of the locations and land allocated for the first batch of projects.
However, as of February 2025, a request for proposals has yet to be issued to the prequalified developers.
Only a handful of water sector-related contracts were awarded in 2024, including a lifting station project and a wastewater treatment scheme in Cairo and a contract to rehabilitate several canals in Dakahlia Governorate.
Outlook
In January, the developer team behind the 1,100MW Suez wind independent power project (IPP) in Egypt, which is led by Saudi utility developer Acwa Power, awarded the project's engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to Beijing-headquartered PowerChina.
Located in the Gulf of Suez and the Gabal El-Zeit area, the Suez wind farm, Egypt's largest wind IPP to date, has an overall investment value of $1.2bn.
The project recently reached financial close, more than two years after the Acwa Power-led consortium signed the project agreements.
This indicates a promising change of pace, as well as gradually improving investor confidence, following years of uncertainty due to Egypt's currency crisis.
The project secured a $703.6m senior debt facility from a consortium of the following banks:
- European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
- African Development Bank
- British International Investment Corporation
- German Investment Corporation
- Opec Fund for International Development
- Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp)
The senior debt funded by EBRD included a B loan structure provided by Standard Chartered Bank and Arab Bank. Acwa Power holds a 70% stake in the project, with HAU Energy owning the remaining 30%.
Meanwhile, SCZone Istithmar has invited interested firms to prequalify to bid for a contract to develop a seawater desalination plant at Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone. SCZone Istithmar is wholly owned by the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The finance ministry's PPP Central Unit, along with EBRD, is supporting SCZone Istithmar in the project's tender proceedings.
Overall, an estimated $42bn-worth of power contracts are in the pre-execution phase in Egypt, which is significantly more than the $5.3bn of water sector contracts that are at the same stage.
These include major projects that are in the concept or memorandum of understanding stages, such as the 2,000MW onshore wind power project that Dubai-based renewable energy investor Alcazar Energy Partners plans to develop in Egypt.
The value of power contracts under execution, at about $10.4bn, is also three times the value of known water projects that are under construction in the North African state.
While the estimated value of overall utility contracts awarded in 2024 is far from being a record high, especially compared to the $9.3bn of awarded contracts in 2015, it shows a significant improvement compared to 2023.
The volume and value of pre-execution projects also remain robust, although a significant number – including the planned seawater desalination plants – have been in the planning and design stages for some time.
A good scenario would be for Egypt to be able to maintain, if not improve, the momentum of tender proceedings and awards in 2025. The project announcement activity during the first month of this year suggests that this could be a possibility.
READ THE FEBRUARY MEED BUSINESS REVIEW
Trump unleashes tech opportunities; Doha achieves diplomatic prowess and economic resilience; GCC water developers eye uptick in award activity in 2025.
Published on 1 February 2025 and distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the February MEED Business Review includes:
|
> AGENDA 1: Trump 2.0 targets technology
> AGENDA 2: Trump’s new trial in the Middle East
> AGENDA 3: Unlocking AI’s carbon conundrum
> GAZA: Gaza ceasefire goes into effect
> LEBANON: New Lebanese PM raises political hopes
> WATER DEVELOPERS: Acwa Power improves lead as IWP contract awards slow
> WATER & WASTEWATER: Water projects require innovation
> INTERVIEW: Omran’s tourism strategies help deliver Oman 2040
> PROJECTS RECORD: 2024 breaks all project records
> REAL ESTATE: Ras Al-Khaimah’s robust real estate boom continues
> QATAR: Doha works to reclaim spotlight
> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects market enters 2025 in state of growth
> CONTRACT AWARDS: Monthly haul cements record-breaking total for 2024
> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects
> OPINION: Between the extremes as spring approaches
|
Exclusive from Meed
-
Adnoc Onshore selects contractors for well tie-ins project27 October 2026
-
Ashghal tenders Al-Udeid air base access road works27 October 2026
-
Saudi Arabia gauges interest for Al-Ula wastewater expansion27 October 2026
-
Qatari firm wins $147m Syria road deal27 October 2026
-
Adnoc showcases $16.3bn local manufacturing potential27 October 2026
All of this is only 1% of what MEED.com has to offer
Subscribe now and unlock all the 153,671 articles on MEED.com
- All the latest news, data, and market intelligence across MENA at your fingerprints
- First-hand updates and inside information on projects, clients and competitors that matter to you
- 20 years' archive of information, data, and news for you to access at your convenience
- Strategize to succeed and minimise risks with timely analysis of current and future market trends
Related Articles
-
Adnoc Onshore selects contractors for well tie-ins project27 October 2026

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s onshore operating arm (Adnoc Onshore) has selected contractors for a major project to tie in wells across the Bab and North East Bab oil field developments in Abu Dhabi.
Located 84 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi city, the Bab field has been in production since 1960 and is the emirate’s first oil-producing asset. The North East Bab cluster comprises the Al-Nouf, Rumaitha and Shanayel fields.
The Bab and North East Bab One Tie-In project is central to Adnoc Onshore’s contribution to Adnoc Group’s target of expanding crude oil production capacity to 5 million barrels a day (b/d) by 2027, an initiative known as the Accelerated Integrated Programme 5. The state energy company’s total production capacity currently stands at approximately 4.85 million b/d.
According to industry sources, Adnoc Onshore has selected local contractor Robt Stone Middle East and China’s Jereh Group to carry out engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works on the project. While both firms have been notified of their selection, a formal project kick-off meeting has yet to take place.
Adnoc Onshore is understood to have started the tendering process for the Bab and North East Bab One Tie-In project last year, with contractors submitting technical and commercial bids earlier this year.
Following the evaluation of bids, Adnoc Onshore sought best commercial offers from the bidders, which contractors submitted in May, MEED previously reported.
The project budget is estimated at $1.2bn.
Bidders for the contract are understood to have included:
- Galfar Emirates (UAE branch of Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Construction)
- Jereh (China)
- Kalpataru Projects International (India)
- Matrix Construction (UAE)
- Robt Stone Middle East (UAE)
- Target Engineering Construction Company (UAE)
The project scope covers residual engineering, procurement of materials not supplied as free-issue items, site surveys, construction, installation, inspection, testing, and pre-commissioning and commissioning support. The works will deliver new wellsite facilities, including a new mini-pad, well bays and clusters across the Bab and North East Bab developments.
Adnoc Onshore is Adnoc Group’s largest production subsidiary, accounting for roughly 2 million b/d of crude and about 7 billion cubic feet a day of associated gas from four primary onshore asset clusters: Bab, Bu Hasa, North East Bab and South East.
ALSO READ:
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20951928/main.jpg -
Ashghal tenders Al-Udeid air base access road works27 October 2026

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has invited contractors to bid on a contract to build roads and related infrastructure around Al-Udeid Air Base.
The project is located in Zone 95 of Al-Wakra Municipality, adjacent to Al-Majd Road.
The tender was issued on 22 October, with a submission deadline of 22 November.
The scope includes the construction of a dual-lane carriageway to improve access to the air base, together with three roundabouts. The alignment will connect to Al-Majd Road to the east and tie into Street 203 in Zone 95 to the west. The contractor will also resurface and maintain connections to the existing road network.
Associated works include street lighting, intelligent transport systems, directional signage and a surface-water drainage collection system.
The contractor will provide crossing ducts, protect and relocate conflicting existing utilities, and complete detailed utility designs as required by relevant stakeholders through the Qatar Design Review System.
The project also includes the design and construction of two electrical substations. The contractor must secure the necessary stakeholder and authority approvals before starting these works.
The scheme will be delivered on a remeasurable, build-only basis using designs approved by others. It will also include designated contractor-designed elements and design-and-build packages for the substations.
Bidders must submit two commercial pricing options: a base offer subject to material price-fluctuation provisions, and an alternative authority option without such provisions.
The contract has a 550-day completion period from the commencement date, including mobilisation, followed by a 400-day maintenance period after the completion certificate is issued.
Participation is restricted to local and international contractors registered under the Ministry of Finance classification system in Grade A or Grade B for road specialisation.
Unclassified foreign firms may submit equivalent certified documentation from their country of origin, attested by Qatari diplomatic missions. They must obtain Ministry of Finance registration before contract award.
For joint-venture bids, the lead partner must hold the required classification grade.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20950810/main.jpg -
Saudi Arabia gauges interest for Al-Ula wastewater expansion27 October 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) is conducting market sounding for the first phase of the Mughayra wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) expansion before formally starting its tendering process, according to industry sources.
The project is valued at SR400m ($107m) and is intended to increase the Mughayra plant’s wastewater treatment capacity to 62,000 cubic metres a day.
RCU is gauging interest from potential contractors and has not yet issued a prequalification questionnaire, a source said.
The scheme forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment drive to develop its cultural and tourism offering across Al-Ula.
The commission launched its Journey Through Time Masterplan in April 2021, with implementation scheduled in three phases through 2035. The masterplan covers infrastructure development, water management and irrigation, alongside the regeneration of a 9-kilometre cultural oasis.
French engineering firm Artelia previously noted in its 2025 annual corporate report that it is involved in the design phase of the Mughayra WWTP.
RCU is also developing strategic potable-water storage infrastructure in Al-Ula, including a design-and-build project covering a 50,000-cubic-metre reservoir at Hub 06 and a 15,000-cubic-metre reservoir at Hub 08.
Local contractor Bin Omairah previously confirmed that it is serving as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the storage facilities.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20950333/main.jpg -
Qatari firm wins $147m Syria road deal27 October 2026
Qatari contractor Al-Mohannadi for Roads, Trading & Contracting has signed a $147m contract with Syria’s General Directorate of Roads to rehabilitate and expand a 215-kilometre (km) highway corridor connecting to the Iraqi border.
The project covers the rehabilitation and dualisation of a 170km section linking the Al-Busairi junction to the Al-Tanf border crossing, alongside the construction of a 45km link between the Al-Sabaa Biyar junction and Al-Busairi. Work is scheduled for completion within 900 days.
The agreement was signed in Damascus by Moaz Najjar, director-general of the General Directorate of Roads, and Abdullah Adnan Al-Zattam, chief executive of Al-Mohannadi, in the presence of Syrian Transport Minister Yarob Badr and Finance Minister Mohammad Yusr Barnieh.
The upgrade is intended to restore and expand one of Syria’s primary overland arteries to Iraq, which has suffered significant deterioration and capacity bottlenecks following years of conflict. The Al-Tanf corridor represents the most direct overland link between Damascus, central Syrian industrial centres and Baghdad.
The project is designed to accommodate heavier commercial freight vehicles and reduce transit times between the two countries.
The investment also forms part of broader efforts to re-establish Syria’s role as a regional transit corridor connecting Mediterranean ports with landlocked trade routes into Iraq and the wider region.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20950332/main.gif -
Adnoc showcases $16.3bn local manufacturing potential27 October 2026
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Group) has identified more than AED60bn ($16.3bn) in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030.
The Abu Dhabi energy company also announced changes to its procurement, supplier registration and In-Country Value (ICV) localisation frameworks.
The measures were announced at the second Make it with Adnoc Forum, held in Abu Dhabi on October 25. They are intended to give manufacturers, suppliers and investors greater visibility of future demand and a faster, clearer route to compete for Adnoc contracts, the company said.
The more than 200 manufacturing opportunities cover products required for Adnoc’s projects and operations, including:
- Rotating equipment and power
- Electrical, control and automation systems
- Drilling and completion equipment
- Chemicals and catalysts
- Piping, fabrication and heavy equipment
- Spare parts and advanced manufacturing
Many of the identified products are currently imported, Adnoc said. “Manufacturing them in the UAE shortens lead times, reduces exposure to global supply disruptions and strengthens the resilience of Adnoc’s operations,” it said in its statement.
Adnoc, the UAE Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) will work together to connect manufacturers with these opportunities. The collaboration will combine visibility of Adnoc’s demand, access to the national industrial database and financing through the National Industrial Resilience Fund, the company said.
Adnoc also signed two memorandums of understanding on the sidelines of the forum with Adio and Kezad Group.
ICV scheme expansion
Adnoc announced the expansion of its Local+ programme, part of its ICV framework, to more than 100 UAE manufacturers, compared with 70 at its launch in May. The programme gives UAE-made products priority in Adnoc projects by requiring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors bidding for new tenders to source relevant products from manufacturers approved under the programme.
Separately, Adnoc announced a redesign of its supplier registration and prequalification process. The company is targeting a reduction of up to 80% in the time required for suppliers to complete the process and become eligible to compete for Adnoc opportunities.
The new model halves the number of required documents and removes prequalification requirements for 60% of service categories.
A single window brings together registration, qualification and compliance, with requirements tailored to the nature of the work and its level of risk. Artificial intelligence will support document verification and the reuse of existing data, reducing repetitive submissions and administrative processing.
ALSO READ:
Adnoc steps up crude oil capacity expansion
Adnoc funnels billions into boosting gas processing
“Adnoc’s enhanced ICV model will more closely connect procurement decisions with commercial value and suppliers’ contribution to the UAE economy. Under the new model, commercial and ICV offers will be integrated into a single evaluation model,” the company said.
“The previous bid-matching approach will be retired, encouraging suppliers to submit their most competitive commercial and ICV offers from the outset. Requirements will be proportionate to contract size and scope.
“The model also enhances the administration of ICV-related retention payments. Where retention applies, automated calculation and release processes through the Adnoc Supplier Hub will improve transparency, reduce manual follow-up and support suppliers’ cash flow as obligations are met.”
Alongside the ICV and registration enhancements, Adnoc outlined a new commercial approach built around four strategic shifts: agile, competitive, strategic and forward-looking.
“The approach will advance simpler procurement and faster decision-making, contracting models aligned with project and market dynamics, targeted commercial negotiations and earlier visibility of Adnoc’s future demand.”
Since its launch in 2018, Adnoc’s ICV programme has directed more than AED307bn ($83.6bn) into the UAE economy, the company said. By the end of 2025, it had also supported the localisation of more than 130 products, the development of 95 UAE factories, and employment opportunities for more than 27,500 Emiratis at participating private sector companies.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20948385/main5518.jpg