- New $210 million Atum Solar complex will deliver 4 GW of annual solar manufacturing capacity.
- Project brings together JA Solar and Egyptian partners to strengthen regional supply chains.
- Facility will support exports to the US while supplying Egypt and wider Middle East and Africa markets.
Egypt has laid the foundation stone for a large scale solar energy manufacturing complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, marking a significant step in the country’s industrial and renewable energy ambitions.
The $210 million Atum Solar project is being developed in the TEDA industrial zone in Sokhna and will have an annual production capacity of 2 GW of solar cells and 2 GW of solar modules. The facility will also include energy storage system manufacturing aimed at supporting local and regional demand.
The project consortium includes Chinese solar manufacturer JA Solar, UAE based Global South Utilities, Bahrain’s Infinity Capital and Egypt’s AH for Industrial Management and Consulting. Senior executives from the partner companies signed the construction contract during the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al Wazir said the project represents a strategic move to localise the solar manufacturing value chain. He noted that the investment structure brings together partners from China, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, creating a platform for technology transfer and industrial growth.
All solar cell production from the facility will be exported to the United States, while the solar modules will supply the Egyptian market as well as neighbouring markets across the Middle East and Africa. According to Al Wazir, the project will contribute to Egypt’s renewable energy transition, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen domestic supply chains. The plant is expected to create around 840 direct jobs.
The ceremony was also attended by Waleid Gamal El Dien, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, along with representatives from the Egyptian and Emirati governments. Officials highlighted the project’s role in replacing imports with high quality locally manufactured products, sourcing Egyptian aluminium and glass, and opening new export opportunities.
Solar component manufacturing is among 28 priority industrial sectors identified by the Ministry of Industry for accelerated growth, aligning with Egypt’s broader strategy to expand domestic manufacturing capacity and position itself as a regional clean energy hub.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
For enquiries on the African continent, email: africa@jasolar.com
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