SCCT Becomes Egypt’s First Container Terminal Powered Entirely by Renewable Electricity

Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT), part of APM Terminals, has become the first container terminal in Egypt to secure a 100% renewable electricity supply after signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) in collaboration with the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).

The agreement enables the terminal to source all of its electricity from renewable energy, supporting Egypt’s efforts to decarbonise port infrastructure while advancing APM Terminals’ global sustainability strategy.

The agreement was signed at the Cabinet headquarters in Cairo in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and senior government officials, highlighting the strategic importance of renewable energy in Egypt’s transport and logistics sectors.

Renewable Electricity to Cut 30,000 Tonnes of CO₂ Annually

Once implemented, the agreement is expected to eliminate approximately 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions each year by replacing fossil fuel-based grid electricity with electricity generated from solar and wind energy.

According to APM Terminals, the emissions reduction will account for approximately 6% of the group’s baseline emissions, reflecting the scale of SCCT’s operations.

The initial agreement will run for one year, with an option for renewal.

Framework for Sustainable Port Operations

The power purchase agreement follows more than two years of collaboration between SCCT, SCZONE, NREA and the Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA).

The companies said the agreement establishes a framework that could support wider adoption of renewable electricity across Egypt’s port sector.

Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly said: “The State places great importance on expanding the adoption of clean energy across various development projects. These agreements represent a successful model of integration between government entities and the private sector in delivering the State’s green transition objectives, enhancing the efficiency of ports and industrial zones, and strengthening the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.”

Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, said: “These agreements reflect the progress achieved by the Authority in integrating environmental sustainability standards into the development and operation of the ports under its jurisdiction. The Authority continues to work towards providing an integrated investment environment that supports investors in adopting global best practices in the fields of energy and operational efficiency.”

Keld Mosgaard Christensen, CEO of Suez Canal Container Terminal, added: “This agreement is a defining moment for SCCT and for sustainable port operations in Egypt. By powering one of the region’s busiest gateways entirely with renewable electricity, we are cutting emissions at scale while showing what is possible when industry and government move together on the energy transition. I want to thank our partners at SCZONE, Ministry of Electricity represented by NREA and EgyptERA for the vision and partnership that made this possible.”

Walid Gamal El-Din further noted: “The collaboration between the New and Renewable Energy Authority and Suez Canal Container Terminal represents a model for partnerships aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy within ports. This contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of operational activities and keeping pace with the evolving requirements of global trade and supply chains, which are placing increasing emphasis on sustainability standards. The Suez Canal Economic Zone remains committed to implementing its vision for developing its ports and industrial zones in line with the latest international standards, further strengthening its position as a global hub for industry and logistics services.”

Supports APM Terminals’ Global Net-Zero Strategy

The renewable electricity agreement aligns with APM Terminals’ broader decarbonisation roadmap, which targets 100% renewable electricity across its global operations by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout its value chain by 2040.

The company currently sources approximately 62% of its global electricity from renewable energy, with the SCCT project representing another milestone in reducing emissions from port operations.