Overview
Zafarana is a 547 MW onshore wind farm in Egypt, one of the largest wind facilities in Africa. It plays a key role in Egypt's renewable energy expansion under the country's feed-in tariff program.
Zafarana is a large-scale onshore wind farm located in Egypt, near the Gulf of Suez. With a capacity of 547 MW, it is one of the largest wind energy facilities in Africa and a cornerstone of Egypt's renewable energy strategy. The plant benefits from strong and consistent winds in the region, making it a highly productive site for wind power generation. The facility operates under Egypt's feed-in tariff scheme, which has been instrumental in attracting investment into the country's renewable energy sector. Egypt aims to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035, and large wind farms like Zafarana are critical to meeting this target. The plant uses modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity, which is fed into the national grid. Zafarana contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying Egypt's energy mix away from fossil fuels. The wind farm supports local communities by providing clean energy and creating jobs during construction and operation. Its location in a windy corridor ensures high capacity factors, enhancing grid stability and energy security for the region.
Environmental context
The Zafarana wind farm is situated in a coastal desert environment along the Gulf of Suez, an area known for strong and persistent winds. The region's arid climate and sparse vegetation minimize land-use conflicts, but the facility must consider impacts on migratory birds that pass through the area. Proper siting and operational measures help mitigate avian risks, while the clean energy generated displaces fossil fuel use, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Zafarana wind farm is located in Egypt, near the Gulf of Suez, in a region known for strong winds ideal for wind energy generation.
The Zafarana wind farm has a capacity of 547 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest onshore wind farms in Africa.
The operator of the Zafarana wind farm is not publicly specified, but it operates under Egypt's feed-in tariff program for renewable energy.
Egypt's renewable energy sector is supported by a feed-in tariff scheme and a national target to generate 42% of electricity from renewables by 2035, aligning with global climate goals.
By generating clean electricity, Zafarana reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions and air pollution, while supporting Egypt's energy transition.