Ahmed Rizk, a representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), highlighted that Egypt’s journey into green hydrogen dates back to the 1960s when it embarked on this sustainable path with the establishment of the Aswan High Dam. This pioneering approach positions Egypt as one of the earliest adopters of green energy initiatives globally.
Rizk’s insights came during an interview with the TeN satellite channel, where he emphasized Egypt’s proactive stance towards integrating new and renewable energy sources into its energy matrix. He noted that Egypt’s utilization of solar energy in Maadi showcased its early embrace of sustainable alternatives. Amid the escalating global focus on renewable energy and the pressing need for a transition away from fossil fuels due to crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Egypt’s commitment to greener alternatives has gained added significance.
The economic feasibility of green hydrogen and other renewable energy solutions has been on the rise, particularly in light of soaring prices of conventional energy sources. Egypt’s government has strategically partnered with numerous companies in the green hydrogen sector, solidifying its ambition to become a regional hub for this clean energy source. As the world collectively seeks to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security, embracing green hydrogen offers a compelling solution.
Rizk also underscored the pivotal role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving the growth of the green energy sector. However, he noted that their participation in value addition and exports remains limited. To truly harness the potential of Egypt’s green energy initiatives, he stressed the importance of integrating SMEs into the export ecosystem. This, he believes, will contribute substantially to Egypt’s aspirations of achieving $100 billion worth of exports, thereby bolstering the nation’s economic growth while fostering a sustainable energy future.
