UAE And Egypt Sign Multiple MoUs To Enhance Manufacturing And Renewable Energy Cooperation

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt's Prime Minister, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, were present at the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Egypt's New Administrative Capital. These agreements aim to foster economic growth and investment opportunities between Egypt and the UAE, focusing on industrial and technological advancements.

The MoUs include plans for a joint UAE-Egypt industrial zone in East Port Said. This project aims to attract investments in renewable energy, manufacturing, and advanced technologies. Covering 20 square kilometres, it seeks to enhance the area's status as an integrated industrial hub, contributing significantly to Egypt's sustainable economic growth.

Key agreements involve establishing solar cell and panel plants with a capacity of 2 GW each. Additionally, a battery energy storage facility with an initial capacity of 2 GW is planned. These projects are expected to boost local market needs and increase exports regionally and internationally.

Further MoUs focus on clean energy projects like a 900 MW solar power plant in Dakhla Oasis and a 300 MW solar plant in Benban, Aswan Governorate. Both will feature energy storage systems. Plans also include a 3 GW floating photovoltaic solar plant on Lake Nasser and a 2 GW solar plant in northern Naga Hammadi.

The agreements were signed by various stakeholders including Ahmed Al Mutawa from AD Ports Group and Walid Gamal El Din from SCZONE. They aim to establish strategic partnerships that enhance supply chain sustainability, resilience, and self-sufficiency while promoting growth for both nations.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE's commitment to exploring cooperation opportunities in critical sectors like advanced industries, infrastructure, and renewable energy. "In line with the UAE leadership vision," he stated, "these agreements with Egypt embody the depth of the close relations between both countries."

Government Support

Egypt's Prime Minister emphasised the importance of these initiatives under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to optimise Egypt's industrial capabilities. He noted that these efforts are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals by meeting local market needs and enhancing national exports.

"The growth of this sector is key," he said, "to achieving the goals of the sustainable development plan." The MoUs contribute to implementing Egypt's Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035 by improving efficiency and shifting towards renewable energy sources.

Infrastructure Development

The UAE-Egypt Industrial Zone benefits from its strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea. Recent developments aim to attract investments across various sectors including technology and renewable energy. AD Ports Group will play a crucial role in developing this zone's infrastructure.

Kamel Al Wazir highlighted efforts to efficiently use new energy sources to meet national needs. The Ministry plans to encourage green industries representing 5% of GDP by 2030 while deepening local manufacturing for renewable energy production requirements.

Future Prospects

The introduction of battery-based energy storage systems aims to maximise generated energy use for grid stability during peak times. Dr. Esmat mentioned that successful models include cooperation with alliances like Masdar - Infinity - Hassan Allam within Egypt’s sustainable development vision.

"The agreements support Egypt's initiative," Dr. Esmat said, "to enhance reliance on renewable energy solutions." The first phase is set for July 2025 operation with full completion within that year, increasing new energies' capacity while reducing fossil fuel reliance.

The UAE aims through these agreements to open new horizons for cooperation with Egypt in industry and renewable energy sectors supporting sustainable economic growth aligned with both nations' strategic objectives.

With inputs from WAM