At the Egypt Energy Leadership Summit in Cairo on 13 October, Frank Wouters, Director of the MED-GEM Network and Chairman of the MENA Hydrogen Alliance, presented a practical path from hydrogen production to export markets.

“Solar was a stupid idea until it wasn’t. Hydrogen is a stupid idea until it isn’t.” With this provocation, Wouters recalled how investment and scale helped solar become a mainstream energy source. Hydrogen faces a more complex task: it must serve several industries while new infrastructure, storage and markets are built.

As energy security increasingly shapes the policy debate, Wouters highlighted two opportunities for Egypt that warrant action now. Strategic reserves of clean molecules could help manage domestic supply risks and support regional energy partnerships. Synthetic aviation fuel made from renewable hydrogen (eSAF) could connect Egypt’s solar and wind resources, industrial base and ports to demand from aviation. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation framework sets a minimum share for synthetic aviation fuels from 2030.

Turning that potential into projects will require fuel synthesis capacity, access to certified CO₂, long-term purchase agreements and clear certification rules. Wouters also joined a fireside chat on Egypt’s role in global hydrogen markets.

Want to learn more? Explore Frank Wouters’ presentation.

The MED-GEM Network is funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ International Services. The views expressed by the speaker do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.