The Egyptian government’s recent announcement of allocating approximately 41,700 square kilometers for renewable energy projects aimed at green hydrogen production marks a step towards diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Mohamed El-Khayat, Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), detailed the government’s initiative to reserve land for renewable energy projects dedicated to green hydrogen production. With an additional 900 square kilometers still to be allocated, the total earmarked area underscores Egypt’s commitment to becoming a major player in the green hydrogen sector.
El-Khayat revealed that sites for 27 MoUs have been allocated, with a total projected capacity of approximately 115 gigawatts (GWs). This includes 52 GWs of solar energy and 63 GWs of wind energy. While these figures are impressive, it’s crucial to contextualize them within the broader landscape of global renewable energy targets. For instance, Europe aims to produce 40 GWs of green hydrogen by 2030, showcasing Egypt’s ambitious plans in a competitive global market.
The Egyptian government’s allocation of land in the Red Sea and Suez governorates for renewable energy projects is another significant development. These regions will host plants with an estimated capacity of 4.4 GWs of wind energy and 11 GWs of solar energy. These projects are strategically located to harness the high solar irradiance and wind speeds in these areas, potentially leading to high-efficiency energy production.
While Egypt’s plans are commendable, it is essential to assess how these ambitions align with industry standards and global benchmarks. The successful implementation of such large-scale projects requires robust infrastructure, significant investment, and technological advancements. For example, Saudi Arabia’s Neom project aims to produce green hydrogen on a similar scale, highlighting the competitive nature of the sector and the need for Egypt to leverage cutting-edge technology and attract substantial investment.
