Egypt Commissions 600 MWh BESS At 1000 MW Solar PV Project in Benban

A major renewable energy milestone has been achieved in Egypt with the successful commissioning of a 600 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and a 500 kV substation at a 1,000 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 600 MWh battery storage project in Benban. The project has now entered the phased power dispatch stage, supplying electricity to the grid operated by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC).

The integration of the battery energy storage system with the large-scale solar PV plant is expected to improve grid stability and reliability by storing excess solar energy and delivering it when demand is high or solar generation is unavailable. The newly commissioned 500 kV substation will also play a key role in efficiently transmitting renewable electricity to the national grid.

The project supports Egypt’s long-term strategy to expand renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels. By enabling greater integration of clean energy into the electricity network, the development will contribute to a more flexible and resilient power system.

Once fully commissioned, the Benban project is expected to become the largest combined solar PV and battery energy storage project of its kind in Africa. The achievement marks an important step in the continent’s clean energy transition and highlights the growing role of utility-scale battery storage in supporting large renewable energy projects.