As part of the “Environment and Development Forum (EDF 2022), CEDARE held the technical session on “Green Hydrogen as the Future of Sustainable Energy” on 13 September 2022 at the Intercontinental City Starts Hotel. While countries keep searching for sustainable and clean sources of energy, green hydrogen comes on top of the list of projected solutions, specially for countries having renewable source of electricity as Egypt. The session shed light on Egypt’s opportunities and challenges for producing, transferring, and using green Hydrogen as one of the most important clean and sustainable sources of energy, it had serious talks revealing Egypt’s competence and high potential to be the main hub of green hydrogen for neighboring countries and Europe. It also emphasized the Egyptian government’s action plan which was reflected in serious efforts and agreements with key international players, and in amending Egypt’s Energy Strategy 2035 with the aim of green hydrogen inclusion. This comes in alignment with the international mandates of securing green, efficient and sustainable energy transition in the very near future.

“Egypt is steadily planning to act as a key player in the emerging green hydrogen pitch”, said Dr. Ahmed Mohina, First Undersecretary of Strategic Planning, Electrical Performance Follow Up and International Cooperation, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. He added “In that respect, the National Strategy for producing, using and exporting green hydrogen is being prepared, meanwhile the government has signed 16 MOUs with leading corporations to implement pioneer projects, paving the way for Egypt to rank as a market leader”.

Addressing the transport of hydrogen, Dr. Samir El Kareish, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), substantially introduced different alternatives, pros and cons of each system have to be well inspected to determine the best method of transport in Egypt case in terms of manufacture and trade.

Dr. Anhar Hegazi, Energy and Sustainable Development Advisor, stated that “Egypt’s intent to turn to green hydrogen as a catalyst for the transition in its energy system has countless paybacks. It further contributes to fostering sustainable development. However, this will only happen by multi-investments and aligned efforts. The Egyptian government has exerted serious efforts towards integrating the techniques and improving the applications through developing the national strategy of green hydrogen as well as implementing a number of green projects, those will be showcased in COP27 in Sharm ElSheikh”.

Chaired by Dr. Hossam Allam, CEDARE’s Sustainable Growth Programme’s Regional Director, the panel hosted prominent energy experts representing different stakeholders; i.e., governmental sector, international organizations, as well as the private sector. Eng. Sherin Mosbeh, Independent Energy Advisor & Ms. Janka O’ Brien, MEA Director of Sustainability, Emerson Automation Solutions also took part with two interesting presentations.

The following key recommendations were wrapped up at the end of the session:

• The urgency to coordinate all efforts in different forms, such as investments, new technologies and applications to ensure efficient energy transition in Egypt that relies on the adoption of green hydrogen. The transformation process is multi-dimensional and requires joint efforts as it won’t happen overnight. This should also be done within the framework of the “National Strategy of Hydrogen” that was developed by the Egyptian government in addition to several green hydrogen projects being currently implemented by the government and will be presented in the COP27.
• It is important to have in place an efficient economic system that ensures global usage of hydrogen in different sectors such as industry and transport. Accordingly, the hydrogen storage process should be closely monitored as it should be stored in large quantities for long periods of time unlike natural gas and petroleum.
• The need to develop and amend the existing legal and regulatory frameworks related to safe and efficient transportation of hydrogen. The regulations should also take into consideration the availability and applicability of technologies.
• Speeding up the adaptation of green hydrogen through advanced technologies, industrial software and digitalization.
• The integration between the governments and the private sector entities is essential in order to transfer knowledge and ensure good applications of technologies.

The EDF 2022 took place in Cairo between 11 and 13 of September 2022 under the theme: The Road to Sharm El-Sheikh (COP 27) and was organized by the Arab Water Council under the auspices of H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Minster of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment.