The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) plans to build an approximately 200-kilometre (km) Overhead Transmission Line (OHTL) in the Gulf of Suez Region in Egypt (see map in Annexure A). The OHTL will evacuate 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 will also identify mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts.
An ecological survey along EETC proposed Overhead Transmission Line route was conducted.
The ESIA will be 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 is the first step in the ESIA process.