COE/E Stakeholder’s Meeting Convenes Academic, Industry, and Government Leaders for Egypt’s Energy Advancement
Cairo, Egypt, May 26, 2024 – The Center of Excellence for Energy (COE/E), funded by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by Arizona State University, held its Stakeholder’s Meeting on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Cairo Marriott Hotel, convening leaders in the energy sector from industry, academia, NGOs, and government agencies to proactively address crucial aspects of Egypt’s energy transition – identifying current challenges, seizing emerging opportunities for energy advancement, and charting a collective roadmap toward a secure energy future.
“Aligning academic endeavors with industry needs and government strategies ensures that the center’s impact is transformative and far-reaching,” expressed Dr. Sayfe Kiaei, project director and Arizona State University professor. “Today’s meeting is part of the center’s initiative to facilitate critical energy dialogues and build higher education capacity, addressing the sector’s demand for quality research and a skilled workforce to support Egypt’s energy transition goals.”
Offering a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, discuss achievements, and present strategies and ideas for collaboration, the meeting was attended by around 100 members of Egypt’s energy society, representing a diverse array of sectors such as utilities, renewable energy companies, ministries, and academic institutions.
Guest speakers included prominent academics and COE/E student alumni from the center’s Egyptian partner universities as well as notable industry and government representatives, including Eng. Mohamed Magdy El Araby, chief technology officer, El Araby Group; Mr. Hesham El Gamal, chairman, Benban Solar Investors Association; Eng. Ahmed Abdrabo, energy and environment consultant, Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi, assistant resident representative, UNDP Egypt; and Eng. Hesham Kamal, chairman, Hydro Power Production Company.
Project Director Dr. Sayfe Kiaei opened the meeting by sharing key COE/E activities and results achieved since the project’s inception, highlighting the center’s adaptability based on industry feedback.
Faculty and students from the center’s Egyptian partner universities: Ain Shams, Mansoura, and Aswan, presented outcomes of the center’s curriculum development and research efforts, exchange programs, renewable energy competitions, and entrepreneurship and venture development program.
Chief Technology Officer of El Araby Group, Eng. Mohamed El-Araby, emphasized the knowledge industry’s importance to Egypt’s energy transition, technology transfer’s benefits, and R&D’s role in bridging industry-academic gaps for sustainable development in a talk moderated by Ahram Online Senior Editor Ahmed Kotb.
Benban Solar Investors Association Chairman, Mr. Hesham El Gamal, discussed key challenges and opportunities within the renewable energy industry, stating that Egypt has made significant strides and generated investments dedicated to new and renewable energy, including solar, hydro, and wind. He directed attention to the Benban megaproject in Aswan, the world’s third-largest solar installation, generating approximately 1,465 megawatts of electricity with investments of over $2.2 billion.
Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Consultant, Eng. Ahmed Abdrabo, outlined pillars of the Egyptian Petroleum Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2022-2035, shared highlights of the ministry’s agenda around climate change, and revealed government development initiatives that serve Egypt’s energy-efficiency targets.
“We need technical and financial support to apply new technologies and reach our targets of reducing emissions from the industry,” stated Eng. Abdrabo. He stressed that to keep global warming below 1.5°C by 2050, a total of $150 trillion is needed for worldwide climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Sessions were followed by open discussions for stakeholders’ feedback and opportunities for networking.
The Center of Excellence for Energy is funded by USAID with the support of the American people with a goal to help Egypt reach its target of 42% renewable energy by 2035 and position the country as a regional leader in clean energy. The center is operated by Arizona State University in partnership with three Egyptian universities: Ain Shams, Mansoura, and Aswan.
The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.
This announcement is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Center of Excellence for Energy and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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