Overview
Aswan Dam II is a 550 MW hydroelectric power plant located on the Nile River in Egypt. It provides renewable energy to the national grid, supporting Egypt's clean energy goals.
Aswan Dam II is a hydroelectric power plant situated on the Nile River in Egypt, with an installed capacity of 550 megawatts. As a renewable energy facility, it plays a key role in Egypt's power generation mix, complementing the larger Aswan High Dam. The plant is operational and contributes to the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources. The facility operates as a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, utilizing the flow of the Nile to generate electricity without significant water storage. This technology is well-suited to the region's hydrology and provides a reliable source of low-carbon power. Egypt's regulatory framework for hydropower includes oversight by the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, with environmental assessments conducted under national guidelines. Aswan Dam II supports the local grid by providing clean, baseload power to surrounding communities and industries. Its operation reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The plant is part of Egypt's broader strategy to increase renewable energy capacity and meet growing electricity demand sustainably.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric facility, Aswan Dam II generates electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, contributing to improved air quality compared to fossil fuel plants. The plant's location on the Nile River means it operates within a sensitive aquatic ecosystem, requiring careful management of water flows to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's capacity of 550 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydropower, and its age and technology are typical of run-of-river designs that have lower environmental impact than large storage dams.
Frequently asked questions
Aswan Dam II is located on the Nile River in Egypt, near the city of Aswan. Its coordinates are approximately 23.97° N, 32.88° E.
Aswan Dam II has an installed capacity of 550 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large hydroelectric facility in Egypt.
Aswan Dam II is a run-of-river hydroelectric plant that uses the flow of the Nile River to turn turbines and generate electricity without significant water storage.
Hydroelectric plants in Egypt are subject to national environmental impact assessments and oversight by the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. They must comply with water resource management and ecological protection standards.
Hydropower, including Aswan Dam II, provides a significant share of Egypt's renewable energy, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The government aims to expand renewable capacity to 42% by 2035.