With the goal of Egypt’s transition to a low-carbon economy, diversify its energy mix, and to enhance its carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, Egypt has joined hands with the International Energy Agency (IEA). To this end, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla and Executive Director Fatih Birol signed a joint work programme.
The signing ceremony was held via video conference in the presence of Egypt’s Ambassador to France Alaa Youssef. As per the joint programme, it will cover six main areas such as, developing scenarios and supporting CCS plans and programmes, expanding renewable energy and hydrogen production, strengthening data analysis and data provision sustainability in the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon intensity, and assessing the impacts of climate change on the energy sector.
The two parties agreed to prioritize training and capacity building activities. El Molla said that Egypt is keen to play a leading role in the Eastern Mediterranean region. He said, “Egypt was the first to advocate for energy security and the right of peoples to develop their natural resources and the current wars have shown the world the consequences of disrupting energy supply chains, which are vital for development.”
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between Egypt and IEA in reducing emissions and accelerating renewable energy and hydrogen production, given the agency’s expertise, data and programmes. He stressed on the Egypt’s commitment and determination to increase the share of renewable energy and environmental compatibility projects in achieving sustainable development.
It may be noted that the Egypt became an associate member of IEA in 2022 and is the second country in the Middle East and North Africa region to join the agency as an associate member.
