Electrolux, the largest manufacturer and supplier worldwide of electrical appliances, has signed an agreement with SolarizEgypt, the most prominent implementation and construction company in Egypt as well as the Middle East region to build a solar power station at its factory. This energy will be used for producing washing machines, Delta electric water heaters, stoves, and refrigerators. This agreement supports Egypt’s efforts for long-term sustainable development and transition to cleaner energy.
The agreement is divided into phases. Phase one will see the installation of 1.5 megawatts. This includes 1 megawatt at the Delta factory which makes refrigerators and washing machines. It will also include the installation of 0.5 megawatts at the stoves factory. The company plans to add three additional megawatts in the second phase. This aligns with Electrolux’s goal to eliminate carbon emissions from its sites and factories by 2030.
Maysam El Hennawy, CEO of Electrolux Egypt, said, “This agreement complements our company’s efforts in transitioning into a more sustainable facility Thus, implementing solar power plants for clean and renewable energy is an appropriate solution to achieve our goal.”
He added, “Under this agreement, Electrolux will continue to support Egypt’s Vision 2030, which encourages the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental sustainability measures. Despite the initial high costs of investing in the solar power plants, the government is projected to subsidize it in the future, and it will reduce the company’s consumption by around 17%.”
Ashraf El Bahwash is the Head of Manufacturing Operations at Electrolux Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He stressed the company’s determination to implement sustainability factors in all its factories, including plastic replacements, CO2 emissions, zero landfill, scrap recycling, water treatment, light sensors for energy savings, PPE, and returnable package recycling.
He said that Electrolux is open to working with suppliers to achieve the same goal and participate in all alternative energy projects to support the government’s strategy for utilizing renewable energy. He also noted that the Egyptian stove factory has been recognized worldwide as being the only one that produces zero waste.
El Bahwash expressed gratitude for the chance to work with SolarizEgypt, and for its industry knowledge that aids Electrolux in the pursuit of its goals and aims.
Yassin Abdel Ghaffar, Founder and Managing Director at SolarizEgypt, said, “Despite the fact that we have ongoing projects that exceed 50 megawatts, we are pleased with our agreement with Electrolux, which combines the use of renewable energy, energy-saving products, and sustainable practices. We are also proud to be a part of this initiative before the start of the activities of the Climate Conference (COP27), which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, to discuss the global environmental agenda, and the future steps towards achieving sustainable development.”
Khaled El Zomor (Commercial President of SolarizEgypt) expressed his satisfaction in signing an agreement with Electrolux, a prominent company that is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He said, “The private sector in Egypt contributes greatly to the promotion of renewable energy. Therefore, we are happy to share our expertise with Electrolux in order to help it achieve its sustainable development goals.”
Despite volatility and uncertainties, SolarizEgypt has teamed up with Electrolux to ensure 25 years of safe operation. Notable is the fact that 588 metric tons of carbon dioxide will not be released annually and a 0.5-megawatt capacity solar power plant on a 6,500 sq. meter site will be built. A solar power plant will produce 1,680 megawatts of electricity per year on an 11,850 square meters area within the Delta factory. It will also compensate for carbon dioxide emissions by emitting 1,136 metric tonnes of CO2.
