Energy Efficiency Initiatives In the Egyptian Power Sector

Abstract:
The Egyptian Electricity sector has adopted strong measures in order to improve energy
efficiency at supply and demand sides. In complementing these efforts, the Ministry of
Electricity and Energy has started since 1999 implementing one of its important
projects titled ” Energy Efficiency Improvement and Greenhouse Gas Reduction”
project for a duration of five years and budget of MUS$ 5.9, financed by the Global
Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and
the Government of Egypt .
The overall objective of this project is to meet growing electricity demand through
reliable, efficient and rational consumption patterns, thereby reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, protecting environment while at the same time providing a sustainable
alternative to capacity extension for meeting the demand.
The project includes three components:
¨ Loss Reduction, load shifting and load management of the Unified Power
System of Egypt.
Loss reduction:
o Losses assessment
o Power factor correction
o Optimal network planning
Load Shifting:
o Applying Time of Use (TOU) Tariffs
o Load shifting in industrial sector
¨ Energy Efficiency Market Support:
o Conduct energy audits and encouraging ESCOs to implement energy
efficiency projects
o Applying efficient lighting programs
o Applying standards and labels for efficient appliances
o Developing energy efficiency building code for new buildings
¨ Cogeneration.
o Promotion of cogeneration projects
Major Project Achievements:
· Due to the cooperation between the project and the Egyptian Electricity
Holding Company, and implementation of project recommendation such as
load redistribution, improving dynamic response of generating units,
maximum use of reactive power generated by the power plants, power factor
improvement through installation of capacitors banks at selected locations,
the transmission losses have been reduced from 6.9% in year 1998 to 3.8%
in year 2007.
· Diffusion of the use of efficient lighting systems and encouraging local
manufacturing where 5 local manufacturers have already started their
production (compact fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts) and
penetrated the market with the assistance of the project.
· Preparation of the energy efficiency specifications for three selected
appliances (refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners) and issuing
a ministerial decree for the enforcement of these specifications and the
sticked labels including the electricity consumption of each appliance to
assist the consumer in selecting the most efficient ones.
· Preparing an energy efficiency code for the residential and commercial
buildings to improve energy efficiency
· Preparing a data base for the big consumers with cooperation with electricity
distribution companies to determine energy improvement actions to be taken
by these consumers.