Egypt signed a cooperation agreement with Belgium’s Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering NV (DEME Group), on Thursday, to start special studies for a green hydrogen production project.
The agreement was signed by the Ministries of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and Petroleum and Mineral Resources, along with the Navy on Egypt’s behalf.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing ceremony, which he emphasised comes as part of the implementation of the state’s strategy aimed at expanding clean and green energy. It also serves to increase the contribution of renewable energy to Egypt’s electric energy mix.
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker said that Egypt is interested in focusing on diversifying the sources of electric energy production and making use of its natural resources. This comes with a particular focus on new and renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen, in line with the global trend in this field.
The minister added that green hydrogen is a promising source of energy for the near future, and noted that Egypt’s Energy Strategy in Egypt will be updated to include it as an energy source.
For his part, DEME Group Chairperson Luc Bertrand said that the project comes as part of Belgium’s pledges to implement the Green Agreement, as it is one of the member states of the European Union (EU).
From this standpoint, the company sought to choose the best sites that are suitable for establishing pivotal centres for the production of green hydrogen. Following a specialised study conducted by the company, Egypt was chosen to set up the project due to its privileged location and its enjoyment of renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind energy.
Egypt was also found to have an availability of qualified onshore and offshore infrastructure, and skilled manpower, supported by the balance of distinguished relations that links Egypt and Belgium.
