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Egypt's Hunger for Electricity Leads it to Russia, China

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - In 2014, massive blackouts brought much of Egypt to a
   standstill and called attention to an outdated power grid dating to the
   1950s when the Soviet Union supplied much of the technology. Now, Egypt
   is again turning to Moscow - and to Beijing - as it embarks on a huge
   drive to modernize its electricity infrastructure.

   Egypt has been building new electrical plants in order to avoid serious
   power cuts and brownouts that crimp industrial production and make life
   difficult for ordinary citizens. Analysts say electricity demand is
   growing by five to seven percent a year, along with the population.

   Energy and Electricity Minister Mohammed Shaker said Egypt was
   compelled to step up its electricity production after blackouts and
   power shortages during the summer of 2014.

   He said that the experience was a catalyst to diversifying sources of
   power production, which traditionally relied on oil and gas for power
   production for about 90% of the country's power needs. Now, he said,
   Egypt is starting to move to solar, wind and nuclear power to generate
   electricity.

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