The China-Egypt Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Renewable Energy has enabled Egypt to produce its first locally manufactured half-cut solar cell in October 2023, followed by the fabrication of its first locally made high-efficiency half-cell solar module one month later. Located on Karaman Island in Sohag, southern Egypt, the laboratory serves as the core driver for these technological breakthroughs, providing comprehensive support for independent production and research within the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). This development marks a significant shift from reliance on imported solar cells to a self-sufficient local manufacturing capability.

Establishing Local R&D Infrastructure

Prior to the establishment of the joint laboratory, Egypt’s photovoltaic (PV) sector faced significant constraints, including a lack of standardized R&D facilities, complete production equipment, and mature fabrication processes. Local research teams were unable to conduct hands-on R&D or test trial-mass production due to total dependence on imports. The joint laboratory addressed these gaps by establishing a complete PV cell R&D and production system. This system encompasses core PV cell manufacturing processes, professional production and testing equipment, and a standardized, clean facility specifically tailored for desert climates.

Mohamed Zahran, a professor at ASRT, stated that the joint lab is the core driver behind these achievements. Zhou Meng, deputy director of the research department at the 48th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), described the facility as a standout example of international cooperation, noting that both sides will further promote joint R&D and the transformation of advanced PV technologies.

Addressing Resource Constraints

Egypt possesses an average of 3,000 hours of full sunshine per year, offering ideal conditions for renewable energy development. However, the initial construction phase on Karaman Island faced challenges related to local power supply and water access. To mitigate these issues, the joint laboratory established several PV demonstration systems, including an on/off-grid PV system, a PV water pumping system, and a PV water purification system. Lu Yunzhang, a research fellow at CETC’s 48th Research Institute, noted that these projects effectively alleviated local power and water scarcity, serving as practical models for regional energy security.

Technological Collaboration

The partnership leverages China’s mature PV technologies, equipment, and supply chains alongside Egypt’s abundant solar resources. Collaborative research efforts have overcome technical bottlenecks in high-resistance dense-grid solar cell technology, significantly enhancing PV cell efficiency. Aref Eliwa, a professor at ASRT, highlighted that this work lays a solid technological foundation for developing PV products tailored to Egypt’s specific solar environment. The two organizations plan to upgrade the joint laboratory into a regional renewable energy innovation center, expanding its impact through technology demonstration and training across the region.