World Power Plants

The Abu Kir Power Plant serves as a critical asset in Egypt's energy generation landscape, boasting a substantial capacity of 2236 MW. This gas-fired power generation facility is strategically located at coordinates 31.2694, 30.1409, near the Mediterranean coast, which positions it favorably for both energy supply and infrastructure development. The plant plays a significant role in the national energy mix, providing essential electricity to meet the growing demand of Egypt's population and industries. Utilizing advanced gas turbine technology, the Abu Kir Power Plant ensures efficient energy generation while contributing to lower emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel sources. The operational context of the facility is bolstered by Egypt's commitment to enhancing its energy sector, including a shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy sources. As part of the national grid, the Abu Kir Power Plant supports local communities and industries, providing reliable electricity that is vital for economic development. Its significant output not only helps stabilize the grid but also aligns with the government's efforts to reduce energy shortages. The gas technology employed here is characterized by its rapid start-up times and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources in Egypt’s evolving energy landscape. As the country continues to expand its energy infrastructure, the Abu Kir Power Plant represents a cornerstone of this transition, demonstrating the importance of gas as a bridge fuel in the journey towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
2,236 MW

2.24 GW

Commissioning Year
1996

30 years old

Owner
Egyptian Electricity Holding Company
Location
31.2694°, 30.1409°

Egypt, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 17. largest of 155 plants in Egypt
  • #654 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #129 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 1.62% of the installed capacity of Egypt
Age & fleet comparison

30 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Egyptian Electricity Holding Company operates 61 plants totalling 52,596 MW

Regional density

25 plants within 100 km, 30,376 MW combined

Nearest plant: El-Seiuf (15.1 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 31.269400, 30.140900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
4.32 Mt
8814 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
129.57 Mt
Over 30 years of operation
Closing Soon
2026
Expected to retire this year
Annual emissions equivalent to
938.9K
cars per year
575.9K
homes per year
196.3M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Egypt
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Abu Kir Power Plant: A Key Player in Egypt's Energy Landscape

The Abu Kir Power Plant, located in Egypt, is a significant thermal power generation facility with a total installed capacity of 2,236 megawatts (MW). This gas-fired power plant plays a vital role in supporting Egypt's energy sector, particularly as the country seeks to meet its growing electricity demands and transition towards a more sustainable energy mix. Given Egypt's strategic position and its reliance on natural gas, the Abu Kir plant is an essential component in ensuring energy security and stability within the region.

Operating primarily on natural gas, the Abu Kir Power Plant utilizes this fuel type due to its relative efficiency compared to other fossil fuels such as coal or oil. Natural gas combustion produces lower carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option for power generation. The plant adopts advanced technologies that enhance its thermal efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint associated with electricity production. This is particularly important for Egypt, which has been working to address pollution and promote cleaner energy sources as part of its commitments to international environmental agreements.

The Abu Kir facility not only contributes to the local power supply but also supports the national grid, which is crucial for both urban and rural electrification. With Egypt undergoing rapid population growth and urbanization, the demand for electricity is surging, and the Abu Kir Power Plant serves as a cornerstone in meeting this demand. Its capacity allows it to produce a substantial amount of the electricity needed to power homes, industries, and businesses across the country, thereby promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

In addition to its technical capabilities and capacity, the Abu Kir Power Plant holds significant regional importance. Egypt's location makes it a pivotal player in the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape, and the plant contributes to the country’s aspirations to become a regional energy hub. As neighboring countries explore energy cooperation and interconnectivity, the reliability and output of the Abu Kir facility enhance Egypt's standing as a key provider of electricity in the region.

However, the operation of gas-fired power plants, including Abu Kir, is not without environmental challenges. While natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels, it is still associated with greenhouse gas emissions, and its extraction and transportation can lead to environmental degradation. As Egypt continues to develop its energy sector, there is an increasing focus on integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, alongside conventional power generation. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the overall environmental impact of energy production in the country.

In summary, the Abu Kir Power Plant is a crucial element of Egypt's energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to its electricity supply while also playing a role in the broader regional energy dynamics. Its use of natural gas positions it as a cleaner alternative within the fossil fuel category, although ongoing efforts are needed to balance energy demands with environmental stewardship as Egypt progresses towards a more sustainable energy future.

EgyptEnergy Profile

155
Total Plants
138.3 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroNuclearSolar
Top Fuels

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