Hassan Allam Utilities in Egypt and Masdar in the United Arab Emirates have inked deals to establish large-scale green hydrogen projects in Egypt with state-backed Egyptian entities.
The firms plan to build a green hydrogen manufacturing plant capable of producing 100,000 tonnes of e-methanol yearly for Suez Canal bunkering in the first phase.
By 2030, the electrolyser facilities in the Suez Canal and on the Mediterranean might be expanded to create 2.3 million tonnes of green ammonia for export and green hydrogen for local businesses, with a total capacity of up to 4 gigawatts.
The agreements demonstrate the close relationship between the UAE and Egypt, said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and chairman of Masdar.
“These projects will build on the UAE’s and Masdar’s position as an early mover in the global hydrogen market and expand our capacity to deliver zero-carbon energy solutions,” he said.
“As our two countries prepare to host the next two Cops (UN climate conferences), we look forward to working with our partners in Egypt to make practical advances in the energy transition that will provide significant benefits for the economy and the climate.”
Egypt has increased its green hydrogen ambitions in recent months, particularly as it prepares to host the Cop27 climate meeting in Sharm El Sheikh in November.
This month, the country agreed to create a green hydrogen megaproject near Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea with a consortium led by EDF Renewables of France and Egyptian company Zero Waste.
For ships transiting through the Suez Canal, the initiative is estimated to create up to 350,000 tonnes of green fuel each year.
In March, the North African country announced a $5 billion partnership with Norway’s Scatec to build the country’s first green ammonia factory, with a production capacity of 1 million tonnes per year rising to 3 million tonnes.
Egypt has extensive solar and wind resources, allowing for the cost-effective generation of renewable energy, which is a key enabler for the creation of green hydrogen.
The North African country is working to boost green energy project investment and speed up the region’s energy transition.
It is also revising its national energy policy and wants to incorporate green hydrogen into the mix, according to the statement.