Grand Egyptian Museum Goes Green with 2.24 GWh of Solar Power Annually

In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable development, Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is now partly powered by the sun. The museum’s newly inaugurated solar energy system generates approximately 2.24 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity every year, a move expected to cut carbon emissions by around 100,600 tons annually, according to the Industrial Modernization Center (IMC).

The project, jointly funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marks a major milestone in Egypt’s green transformation efforts. It aims to make the Grand Egyptian Museum the first green museum in Africa and the Middle East, with solar energy serving as its primary source of electricity.

The IMC’s statement revealed that the project includes four photovoltaic stations installed both inside and outside the museum complex, with varying capacities:

A 206-kilowatt station along the museum’s perimeter wall,

A 277-kilowatt “EGUS” station,

Two parking lot stations with capacities of 301 and 531 kilowatts respectively,

bringing the total installed capacity to 1,315 kilowatts.

According to the Center, the project stands as a tangible model of cooperation between Egyptian institutions and international development partners in advancing the green economy. It also aligns closely with Egypt Vision 2030, which places renewable energy and sustainability at the heart of the country’s long-term development strategy.

The IMC oversaw the project’s implementation to the highest technical and engineering standards, collaborating with local and international experts to ensure operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. The shift to clean energy is expected to reduce reliance on conventional power sources and improve overall energy efficiency within the museum.

The solar initiative is part of the IMC’s broader Green Economy Program, which seeks to expand renewable energy applications across Egypt’s industrial, cultural, and service sectors. Officials say the successful rollout at the Grand Egyptian Museum could pave the way for similar initiatives at other cultural and tourism landmarks nationwide.

Beyond its monumental architecture and vast collection spanning over 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum is fast becoming a symbol of modern environmental consciousness. By merging ancient heritage with cutting-edge green technology, the museum reflects “a new image of Egypt, one that embraces innovation while preserving its environment,” the IMC noted.

With this solar power project, Egypt further cements its regional leadership in renewable energy. The initiative demonstrates the nation’s growing capacity to execute ambitious, large-scale projects that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

The IMC concluded that the Grand Egyptian Museum’s solar station will serve as a reference model for future renewable energy projects in both the public and private sectors, a milestone that lights the way toward a greener, more sustainable Egypt.