Empowering Egypt: European Union and Egypt Join Forces to Accelerate Green Hydrogen Investments

Cairo, Egypt 2024, December 5th,– Policymakers, business leaders, and experts in renewable energy gathered today at the Triumph Plaza Hotel for the National Consultation Workshop on Green Hydrogen under the theme, “Empowering Egypt: Fuelling the Future with Green Hydrogen Investments.” The event, organised by the Eu funded MED-GEM Network in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Egypt and Egyptian government entities, aims to position Egypt as a leader in the global green hydrogen economy. This workshop follows the EU-Egypt Investment Forum (June 2024), where both parties committed to accelerating the transition to clean energy through joint investments, innovative policies, and enhanced partnerships.

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Driving Egypt’s Hydrogen Market Forward

With abundant renewable energy resources and a strategic location, Egypt is uniquely positioned to capture 8% of the global green hydrogen market by 2040. The Green Hydrogen Incentives Law (2024) and Egypt’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Strategy are critical steps toward this goal.

In her keynote address, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, stated:

“With Law No. 22 of 2024, the Green Hydrogen Incentives Law, Egypt is poised to lead the low-carbon hydrogen economy. Our strategic partnerships, such as the Sustainable Hydrogen Partnership signed with the EU at COP27, aligning with the Association Agreement, the EU Global Gateway, are key to achieving ambitious global climate targets and sustainable economic growth. This workshop is an opportunity to address challenges, share knowledge, and accelerate hydrogen development.”

 

Strengthening EU-Egypt Collaboration

During his opening remarks, Lorenzo Vingut Harrington, Team Leader, Green and Sustainable Transition Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to Egypt, emphasized:

"Our collaboration with the Egyptian Hydrogen Council and the Cabinet of the Prime Minster underscores the EU’s role as a reliable partner in implementing this vision. During today’s MED-GEM’ workshop, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new Technical Assistance program with Egyptian authorities. This initiative will provide the necessary tools and guidance to design and implement the regulatory and policy actions needed to achieve the ambitious objectives set out in Egypt’s hydrogen strategy."

 

Key Workshop Insights 

The workshop featured there brainstorming sessions on:

1. Policy and Regulation: Moderated by Ahmed Elbeltagui (EU Delegation), with contributions from Ruta Baltause (DG Energy) and Ahmed Elbakly (Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy), the session emphasized aligning Egypt’s frameworks with international standards to attract foreign investments.
2. Market Demand and Offtake Agreements: Led by Ali Habib (MED-GEM Network), with insights from  Dr. Mohamed Abo Eldahab, PMO and Investment (Suez Canal Economic Zone), this session explored strategies to bridge Egypt’s green hydrogen supply with Europe’s growing demand.
3. Financing Green Hydrogen: Moderated by Dr. Mustapha Taoumi (MED-GEM Network), speakers such as Mohamed Sherien (Sovereign Fund of Egypt) and Pauline Raabe (H2 Global) highlighted innovative tools like green bonds and impact investing to accelerate hydrogen initiatives.
    

Next Steps

The outcomes of this workshop will serve as a roadmap for advancing the EU-Egypt collaboration on green hydrogen, aligning with the EU’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2050. Follow-up actions will focus on refining policies, securing investments, and fostering partnerships to implement the discussed priorities.