Sunday 22 Dec
Prime Minister Dr.Moustafa Madbouly and high-level Emirati officials convened to discuss joint cooperation in new and renewable energy between the two countries. The meeting also focused on fostering the localization of industries related to this sector.
The discussions were led by His
Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced
Technology. From Egypt, Lieutenant General Kamel el-Wazir, Deputy Prime
Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport,
Engineer Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and
Engineer Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, were
present.
The UAE delegation included
Ambassador Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Cairo, Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary
of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO
of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company "Masdar", and other key officials.
Dr. Madbouly emphasized a strong
conviction that Egypt's energy future hinges on new and renewable sources. He
underscored the importance of exploring avenues to integrate substantial
amounts of such energy into the electrical grid. Additionally, he highlighted
the need for coordinated efforts to localize industries linked to new and renewable
energy technologies, including solar panels and wind energy.
The Prime Minister said that he
agreed with Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Industry
and Advanced Technology, to implement a highly ambitious plan. This plan aims
to accelerate the integration of significant new and renewable energy sources
into the grid, alongside the localization of related industries.
The private sector, particularly
companies with extensive experience, will play a critical role in executing
these projects. Both countries are committed to swift action on these initiatives,
and the strong top-level relations between their political leadership will
further support this cooperation. Ultimately, these targeted projects will
contribute to the mutual interests of both countries.
Dr. Moustafa Madbouly explained
that energy consumption has reached enormous levels, surpassing 37.3 gigawatts
per day in recent days. Consequently, the real solution lies in working to
introduce as much new and renewable energy into the grid as possible. There is
support and cooperation with the Emirati side, with the aim of introducing
around 4 gigawatts of renewable energy into the grid starting next summer.
For his part, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber
stated that the UAE pays special attention to everything related to Egypt, in
light of the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of
the United Arab Emirates.
The Emirati Minister expressed
optimism that solving Egypt's energy problem is achievable, noting the
necessity of a clear roadmap for Egypt's energy sector. He proposed a number of
mechanisms for cooperation in the short, medium, and long term, which will
contribute to a fundamental solution to the problem. During the meeting,
Engineer Kamel El-Wazir reviewed a number of transportation cooperation projects
being implemented with the UAE. He further affirmed his readiness to cooperate
in localizing industries related to the new and renewable energy sector. He
expressed willingness to provide the necessary land immediately, whether for
the production of solar panels or other components of renewable energy
generation.
In addition, Dr. Mahmoud Essmat
outlined the Ministry of Electricity's plans to increase the capacity of new
and renewable energy and to connect it to the national electricity grid in
Egypt.
Engineer Karim Badawy outlined
the potential areas for collaboration with Emirati companies in the petroleum
sector, noting that the ministry is currently working to increase various
petroleum products through encouraging different exploration activities.
