Upgrading the Extra High Voltage Research Center (EHVRC) of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company

ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT UPGRADING THE EXTRA HIGH VOLTAGE RESEARCH CENTER (EHVRC) OF THE EGYPTIAN ELECTRICITY HOLDING COMPANY CONSULTING SERVICES Expressions of Interest The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy (“MoERE”) of the Arab Republic of Egypt has received a financing from Agence Française de Développement (“AFD”) and intends to use part of the funds thereof for payments under the following project: Upgrading the Extra High Voltage Research Center (EHVRC) of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company. In October 2016, the Government of Egypt (“GoE”) has adopted the Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (“ISES”) 2035 to modernise the energy sector and increase the renewable energy (“RE”) penetration in the energy mix. This strategy has set the RE targets of 20% of the electricity mix by 2022 and 42% by 2035. Within this context, the AFD has agreed to allocation a Grant in a maximum aggregate amount of three million Euros (EUR 3,000,000) to support the MoERE, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (“EEHC”), and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission company (“EETC”) in achieving the objectives of the ISES 2035 and developing of the Egyptian Energy Sector. Accordingly, the grant has specified three major targets, (i) enhancing the governance of the energy sector, (ii) optimising the energy use, and (iii) improving energy supply. This Grant is managed and supervised by a project management team within MoERE for the benefit of EEHC and EEHC and the relevant affiliated companies. EEHC is an Egyptian joint-stock company serving over 41.7 million customers via 6 generation and 9 distribution companies distributed across Egypt. In addition, the transmission system operator, EETC, is also among the affiliated company of EEHC. In line with the ISES 2035, EEHC and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies play an important role towards the achievement a high quality of service, optimising energy supply and use. Accordingly, EEHC has been working actively over the past years on enhancing corporate governance within and between the sector entities. Several technical assistance and capacity-building programs have been provided to EEHC and key stakeholders, focusing on corporate risk assessment, internal auditing, and compliance and governance systems. However, continued support is needed to strengthen corporate governance and adapt to the sector’s rapid transformation. In light of accelerating technological advancements, growing demand for reliable power, and the need for innovation in extra high voltage (EHV) and distribution networks, part of the allocated grant will be used to upgrade the existing EHV Research Center (EHVRC). The project aims to enhance testing capabilities, support advanced research in EHV and distribution systems, build local expertise, and ensure the center remains responsive to the evolving needs of the electricity sector. The Services of the Consultant shall consist of, but not limited to the following: • Evaluate the current testing capabilities, infrastructure, staffing, and operational procedures of the EHVRC to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancement, in alignment with international best practices. • Preparation of a Comprehensive Feasibility and Technical Study. • Develop technical specifications and conceptual designs for modernizing existing laboratories and establishing new testing facilities capable of addressing emerging grid technologies, including smart grids and renewable energy integration. • Develop a phased upgrade roadmap, including resource mobilization, institutional restructuring, and change management strategies. Support EEHC in the establishment of a dedicated project implementation unit. • Assist in drafting advaned tests list for the network components and equipments. • "Preparation of the Technical Specifications for the Development and Upgrade of the EHVRC" including establishment of new testing laboratories capable of conducting all types of electrical and non-electrical tests (type, routine, special, sample, and after installation) on all components of the electrical network. • Assist in drafting technical specifications, procurement documents, and evaluation criteria for the acquisition of advanced testing equipment. Provide quality assurance and commissioning support during installation. • Development of an International Accreditation Roadmap to Ensure that the layout, testing procedures, and quality management systems are fully aligned with IEC/ISO 17025 requirements, STL (Short-Circuit Testing Liaison) standards. The MoERE of the Arab Republic of Egypt hereby invites Applicants to show their interest in delivering the Services described above. This Request for Expressions of Interest is open to:  Consulting firms q Individual consultants q NGOs q Joint Venture between NGO(s) and consulting firm(s) Eligibility criteria to AFD financing are specified in sub-clause 1.3 of the "Procurement Guidelines for AFD Financed Contracts in Foreign Countries"