Egypt has officially broken ground on the Atum Solar integrated manufacturing complex in Sokhna, located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The project represents an investment of EGP 10.5 billion (approximately $210 million) and marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its domestic renewable energy manufacturing base.

The facility will cover an area of 200 square meters and will comprise three production units. Once completed, it is designed to reach an annual manufacturing capacity of 2 GW of solar cells and 2 GW of solar modules.

According to SCZONE, all solar cells produced at the complex will be exported, while the 2 GW solar module capacity, along with 1 GWh of energy storage systems, will primarily serve local and regional markets.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Monday, was attended by representatives of the project’s consortium partners, as well as officials from the Egyptian and Emirati governments. Corporate partners in the project include 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, including JA Solar CEO Li Shaohui, attended the event and signed the construction contract for the manufacturing complex at the project site.

Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, and Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, were also present at the signing and the groundbreaking ceremony.

Egyptian officials highlighted the project’s importance in reducing reliance on imported products by substituting them with high-quality, locally manufactured alternatives. The complex is also expected to support new export opportunities, utilize locally sourced Egyptian aluminum and glass, and create employment opportunities in the Sokhna region and the wider Suez Canal Economic Zone.