DNV Named Owner’s Engineer for 1GW Abydos Solar-Plus-Storage Project by AMEA Power

Global assurance and energy consultancy DNV has been appointed as Owner’s Engineer for the 1-gigawatt (GW) Abydos for Renewable Energy (AFRE) solar photovoltaic (PV) project and its 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) in Benban, Egypt. The landmark solar-plus-storage project, developed by Dubai-headquartered AMEA Power, will provide 3,100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually—enough to power over 500,000 homes—and is expected to offset 1.5 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

DNV will deliver end-to-end engineering oversight, beginning with feasibility assessments and design reviews through to construction supervision and commissioning. Located in Egypt’s desert terrain, the project faces unique operational and environmental challenges, including extreme temperatures, dust accumulation, and complex grid interconnection requirements.

“Our role is to safeguard performance and reliability from day one, helping AMEA Power deliver an asset that is robust, future-ready, and aligned with Egypt’s long-term energy goals,” said Santiago Blanco, Executive Vice President and Regional Director for the Middle East at DNV.

Engineering Resilience in Harsh Climates

DNV’s advisory scope for Abydos 2 focuses on three critical areas:

• Design Resilience – guiding technology choices and plant layout to withstand harsh desert conditions.
• Grid Compliance – reviewing advanced simulations to meet Egyptian grid codes and ensure system stability.
• Battery Safety – applying internationally recognized standards for fire safety, thermal management, and operational control of BESS infrastructure.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact

Beyond its climate benefits, the AFRE project is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs during construction. It is positioned as a model for sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2035 strategy for a diversified and low-carbon energy future.

“Large-scale renewable projects like Abydos 2 are essential to delivering on Egypt’s Vision 2035,” added Blanco. “The energy transition is no longer a distant goal—it’s an urgent priority. Our mission is to bridge the gap between strategy and execution by enabling energy systems that are resilient, bankable, and built to endure.”

AMEA Power Expands Regional Footprint

AMEA Power, a fast-growing player in the clean energy space, operates across more than 20 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, and emerging Asia. The AFRE project reflects the company’s commitment to accelerating clean energy access and promoting sustainability in rapidly growing economies.

By leveraging DNV’s technical expertise and global best practices, the Abydos solar-plus-storage initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for future renewable energy projects across the region.