The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) plans to build an approximately 200-kilometre (km) Overhead Transmission Line (OTL) in the Gulf of Suez Region (Figure 1). The OTL evacuated 2 Gigawatts (GW) of power from the Gulf of Suez Region, where several wind projects are currently under construction. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering a Sovereign Loan to the Arab Republic of Egypt to finance this project.
SLR Consulting Africa (Pty) Ltd (SLR) and Environics SAE have been appointed by the EBRD to undertake an Environmental and Social (E&S) Scoping Study for the Project on behalf of the EETC.
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was required to identify and assess the potential E&S impacts and benefits of the proposed OHTL. The ESIA also identified mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts.
The ESIA was undertaken in accordance with National Egyptian legislation; relevant European Union environmental standards, the EBRD Environmental and Social Policies, including the Performance Requirements, and other international standards, guidelines and principles.
The E&S Scoping Study was the first step in the ESIA process.
The Project will proceed into the ESIA phase where the impacts were assessed further. The following is specifically recommended:
- Additional biodiversity surveys including a Spring Ornithological Survey and supplementation of the Autumn 2023 Ornithological Survey.
- Critical Habitat Assessment to determine if the areas impacted by the OHTL can be classified as Critical Habitat.
- Additional stakeholder consultation to inform the social assessment.
- Climate Change Risk Assessment including GHG Emissions Inventory to better quantify the risks or benefits from the Project.