SHARM EL_SHEIK EGYPT (November 12, 2022) The Center of Excellence for Energy celebrated a successful conclusion to the first week of its participation at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. At the center’s booth, COE hosted groups of high-achieving engineering students from Egyptian partner universities who demonstrated innovative projects related to sustainability and climate change— including a portable solar-powered water desalination unit; an efficient, small-scale wind turbine; and a net-zero house incorporating local materials and traditional Egyptian design elements. The center received many high-profile visitors to the booth including White House Deputy Director of Science and Technology Policy Dr. Sally Benson; over 12 members of United States Congress; USAID Egypt Mission Director Leslie Reed; Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al Mashat; Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Ahmed Samir Saleh; and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Daniel Rubinstein. Visitors met with students to learn about their experiences in the program as well as key project activities.

During the conference, the center announced that it would begin receiving proposals for its $4 million USD joint research program funding multi-disciplinary, transformative solutions to Egypt’s most pressing challenges in the energy sector. The program will support research by over 50 faculty and over 75 students from Egyptian partner universities and Arizona State University, as well as new research equipment, postgraduate and faculty exchanges, travel, and other research activities.

The center also networked with many Egyptian and international public and private stakeholders working in energy related areas, exploring potential collaborations related to renewable energy, carbon capture, and energy transition.