The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt has initiated a project to create solar energy facilities at various museums and archaeological sites across the country. These sites include the Royal Jewelry Museum, the Alexandria National Museum, Manial Palace Museum, and the Giza Pyramids Visitor Center.
Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that this project stems from a memorandum of understanding signed during the COP-27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh in November.
The agreement was established between the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Industrial Modernization Center (IMC) for small solar cell systems, UNESCO, and ISESCO.
Waziri emphasized that the project’s objective is to execute the ministry’s plan, represented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, to transform museums and archaeological sites into eco-friendly locations that utilize solar energy.
This sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional electricity aligns with Egypt’s 2030 sustainable development strategy, contributing to the preservation, protection, rehabilitation, and utilization of cultural heritage.
Hesham Samir, the Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Antiquities and Museums Projects, detailed that the project’s aim is to promote the utilization of small solar cell systems.
The combined capacity of the solar power stations planned for the three museums and archaeological sites is approximately 85 kilowatts, with an estimated cost of $95,000.
Samir further revealed that a contract has been signed to establish a solar power station at the Sharm el-Sheikh National Museum, with completion anticipated by September.
