Hussain Al Nowais is a trailblazing figure in renewable energy, recognized for his transformative contributions as the chairman of AMEA Power. His leadership has propelled the company to become a key player in global renewable energy development, particularly in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. The firm’s projects, which span solar, wind, battery energy storage, and green hydrogen, reflect Hussain Al Nowais’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and his ability to strategically position AMEA Power in emerging markets. One of the company’s most ambitious projects to date is the recent $350 million investment in a standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Egypt—a country that has become central to the company’s broader vision for renewable energy expansion.
AMEA Power’s $350 Million Battery Energy Storage Project in Egypt
In a major move toward supporting Egypt’s transition to renewable energy, AMEA Power recently unveiled plans to build a $350 million standalone battery energy storage system (BESS). Hussain Al Nowais explains that this project is set to transform the nation’s energy infrastructure by improving grid stability, optimizing renewable energy storage, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. As Egypt accelerates its renewable energy ambitions, the project is positioned to play a key role in bolstering the nation’s electricity network.
The project will have a total capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, divided between two critical locations in the country. The larger portion, 1,000 megawatt-hours, will be installed in Benban, home to the largest solar park in Africa. The remaining 500 megawatt-hours will be located in the Red Sea town of Zafaranna. According to Mahabir Sharma, AMEA Power’s chief technical officer, the project’s construction timeline is well underway, with a binding agreement expected soon and completion slated for March 2027.
Hussain Al Nowais explains that a purchase power agreement (PPA) has already been signed between AMEA Power and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, marking a major step forward in bringing this initiative to life. The PPA outlines the terms of energy procurement and underscores the mutual commitment to achieving Egypt’s renewable energy targets. Once operational, the BESS project will enable Egypt to store excess energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, making it available when demand peaks, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency and reliability.
Sharma noted that AMEA Power is open to potential partnerships on the project, despite initially planning to develop it independently. “Initially, we will be handling it on our own,” he said, “but we are always looking for a good partner to do the project.” This flexible approach exemplifies Hussain Al Nowais’s strategy of leveraging collaborations to maximize impact and accelerate project timelines.
Why Battery Energy Storage Is Critical for Egypt
The development of large-scale energy storage solutions is crucial for countries like Egypt, which are increasingly relying on renewable energy. Solar and wind power are inherently intermittent, producing energy only when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. Battery storage systems bridge this gap by storing surplus energy generated during optimal conditions and releasing it during periods of high demand. Hussain Al Nowais explains that this ensures a stable and reliable power supply, even during fluctuations in renewable energy production.
Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that by investing in battery storage, Egypt aims to mitigate the risk of blackouts and power shortages, which the country experienced during the summer of 2023 due to gas shortages and rolling power cuts. The BESS project aligns perfectly with Egypt’s ambitious goal of increasing renewable energy’s share of the country’s electricity generation mix to 42% by 2030, up from the current 12%.
Under Hussain Al Nowais’s leadership, AMEA Power has prioritized projects that not only deliver economic returns but also address critical societal needs. The battery storage project in Egypt is a testament to the company’s mission to deliver sustainable and scalable energy solutions in regions where they are most needed.
Expanding Egypt’s Green Hydrogen Potential
In addition to the battery storage initiative, AMEA Power is also making significant strides in the emerging green hydrogen sector. In 2022, the company signed a framework agreement with the Egyptian government to develop a 1,000-megawatt green hydrogen project. The project is designed to produce green hydrogen, which will then be converted into green ammonia for export, primarily to European markets.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas and emits carbon dioxide during production, green hydrogen is a carbon-neutral fuel that can help decarbonize industries like steel, cement, and fertilizers.
AMEA Power’s green hydrogen project holds immense potential, particularly as Europe seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The proximity of Egypt to Europe gives it a strategic advantage, as it can minimize transportation costs and enhance competitiveness in the global green hydrogen market.
However, the green hydrogen sector faces several challenges, including high production costs and a lack of consistent policy support in key markets such as the U.S. According to Sharma, the success of green hydrogen hinges on its economic viability, which depends on reducing the cost of renewable energy and securing government subsidies. “Hydrogen will always be in demand for industries such as steel and fertilizer,” Sharma explained, “but the key factor for green hydrogen’s success is its cost competitiveness compared to fossil fuel-based alternatives.”
Despite these challenges, Hussain Al Nowais remains optimistic about the long-term potential of green hydrogen. The company is currently conducting feasibility studies and negotiating with potential buyers to ensure that the project is commercially viable.
Addressing Egypt’s Energy Crisis through Renewable Power
Egypt’s recent energy crisis has underscored the need for a diversified energy mix that includes a larger share of renewable power. The government’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity has opened the door for companies like AMEA Power to play a significant role in addressing the country’s power shortages.
Sharma highlighted that there is a “big push” from the Egyptian government to sign more renewable power agreements and expedite the development of clean energy projects. One of AMEA Power’s key partners in this effort is China’s Trinasolar, which recently supplied energy storage systems for a major solar project in Egypt. The collaboration with Trinasolar marks the company’s first energy storage initiative in the region, further solidifying its position as a leader in renewable energy development.
Strategic Investments and Financial Growth
AMEA Power’s expansion in Egypt and other regions is supported by strategic financial investments. In 2023, the company secured $75 million in equity funding from Japan’s SoftBank, which will be used to finance ongoing and future projects. This funding reflects investor confidence in Hussain Al Nowais’s leadership and the company’s ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects.
The company is also in the process of selling a stake to a select group of investors. Although Sharma did not disclose the specifics of the transaction, he confirmed that AMEA Power would remain the majority owner, ensuring that it retains control over strategic decisions and project management.
AMEA Power’s Broader Vision for Sustainability
Under the stewardship of Hussain Al Nowais, AMEA Power has embraced a far-reaching and comprehensive vision for sustainability that transcends the boundaries of individual energy projects. Instead of focusing solely on short-term goals or isolated milestones, the company is committed to creating long-lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits across the regions in which it operates. This approach ensures that AMEA Power’s projects are not only successful on their own but are also scalable, replicable, and adaptable to the specific needs of diverse communities. By tailoring its initiatives to local economic and environmental conditions, the company ensures sustainable outcomes that are both meaningful and enduring.
One of the key aspects of AMEA Power’s strategy is its emphasis on projects that deliver multi-faceted benefits. From providing reliable and affordable clean energy to fostering job creation and stimulating economic development, the company’s projects are designed to generate a ripple effect that enhances local livelihoods while protecting the environment. Hussain Al Nowais’s leadership has played a pivotal role in defining this holistic approach, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. This vision extends beyond merely generating power—it involves creating infrastructure, supporting community well-being, and addressing global climate challenges through actionable, impactful solutions.
AMEA Power’s ongoing efforts in Egypt are emblematic of this larger mission, serving as a vital piece of the company’s strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint not only across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region but also into emerging global markets. Hussain Al Nowais understands that the company’s work in Egypt—ranging from solar and wind farms to battery energy storage systems (BESS) and green hydrogen production—demonstrates its commitment to tackling the region’s pressing energy needs while contributing to broader environmental goals. With Egypt facing growing energy demands and an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, AMEA Power’s multi-pronged approach is helping the country achieve its renewable energy targets while setting an example for other nations.
Wind and Solar Power Expansion: As core pillars of AMEA Power’s sustainability vision, wind and solar projects not only help decarbonize power generation but also support long-term stability in the energy sector. Solar farms, such as those developed in Benban, generate clean electricity while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. At the same time, wind farms harness the region’s natural wind resources, creating an additional layer of clean power that can be distributed through the national grid. Under Hussain Al Nowais’s leadership, these projects have been carefully planned and executed to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact, ensuring they deliver sustainable energy solutions without compromising natural ecosystems.
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Recognizing the importance of energy storage in achieving sustainability, AMEA Power has also prioritized investments in BESS technology. Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that by integrating battery storage into its projects, the company enhances the reliability and resilience of renewable energy systems, allowing excess power generated during peak production periods to be stored and used during times of high demand or low generation. This not only stabilizes the grid but also helps bridge the gap between intermittent renewable power and continuous electricity needs. In Egypt, AMEA Power’s $350 million battery storage project is a perfect example of how the company is driving innovation in clean energy solutions to address real-world challenges.
Green Hydrogen Development: Another key component of AMEA Power’s sustainability vision is its focus on green hydrogen production. As the global demand for sustainable fuels grows, the company is leveraging Egypt’s abundant solar and wind resources to produce hydrogen using renewable energy. The green hydrogen produced by AMEA Power is intended to serve industries such as steel, fertilizers, and transportation while offering an alternative to carbon-intensive fuels. Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that by prioritizing technological innovation and collaborating with global partners, AMEA Power is working to overcome the current challenges associated with green hydrogen, such as high production costs, and make it a viable solution for the future.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, AMEA Power’s vision for sustainability includes a strong emphasis on social responsibility. The company believes that renewable energy development should be inclusive, creating opportunities for local communities and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. Through training programs, job creation, and community engagement, AMEA Power ensures that its projects deliver tangible benefits to the people who live near them. For example, solar and wind farms often generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, while local suppliers and contractors benefit from project-related activities.
Looking ahead, AMEA Power aims to continue expanding its renewable energy portfolio across new markets while scaling up existing projects to meet growing demand. Hussain Al Nowais has made it clear that the company’s mission is not just to generate power but to create a sustainable legacy that benefits both present and future generations. Hussain Al Nowais explains that this means continuously adapting to changing market dynamics, embracing emerging technologies, and forging strategic partnerships to drive innovation and growth.
Hussain Al Nowais’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping AMEA Power’s success and driving its expansion into key markets like Egypt. The company’s $350 million battery energy storage project, coupled with its green hydrogen initiatives and solar power investments, underscores its commitment to sustainable development and energy security. Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that by combining financial expertise, strategic partnerships, and technological innovation, AMEA Power is poised to remain at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. As the world increasingly turns to clean energy solutions, Hussain Al Nowais and AMEA Power are leading the charge, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
