Egypt deploys 826 solar-powered streetlights in South Sinai

Egypt has delivered 826 solar-powered streetlights to South Sinai as part of a wider effort to expand the use of renewable energy and support more sustainable urban development.

Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said the 40-watt streetlights, each standing seven meters high, were supplied with the necessary technical components and are ready for installation.

The delivery marks the second phase of the initiative, following the distribution of nearly 1,000 solar-powered streetlights under the ministry’s Green Sharm project.

South Sinai also received 44 three-horsepower air-conditioning units through a grant provided by China.

According to Awad, the equipment forms part of Egyptian-Chinese cooperation on environmental projects and reflects efforts to channel international grants and partnerships towards initiatives supporting the green transition and improving local services.

The solar-powered lighting is expected to reduce reliance on conventional electricity and associated emissions while improving access to lighting in key areas, including Bedouin communities and remote locations.

Awad said South Sinai was selected because of its environmental, geographical and tourism significance, noting that wider adoption of renewable energy solutions could support service delivery while helping protect the governorate’s natural resources.

The equipment will be distributed based on the needs of targeted communities as part of broader efforts to integrate environmental considerations into local development and public-service projects.

The initiative falls under the wider Green Sharm project, which aims to make Sharm El-Sheikh a more sustainable city through investments in renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste management, water resources, biodiversity conservation and local community development.

The ministry plans to draw on its experience in South Sinai to expand suitable green solutions to other governorates and strengthen partnerships with national and international organizations to support low-emission development projects.