This morning, Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), participated in the inauguration of a new solar power plant at the Siemens Energy Center within the integrated Sokhna zone. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Mohamed Shaker Al-Marqabi, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr. Frank Hartmann, German Ambassador to Cairo, and Mr. Vinod Philip, Executive Board Member of Siemens Energy. This initiative aligns with SCZONE’s strategic vision, in accordance with Egypt’s Vision 2030, to transition towards a green economy and mitigate climate change impacts.
“SCZONE is committed to supporting green projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” stated Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien during the ceremony. “All companies operating within SCZONE must rely on renewable energy sources in their production processes, adhering to SCZONE’s strategy to transform into a sustainable economy. This includes reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring that our industries remain competitive in global markets, especially with the enforcement of the Carbon Limit Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Union, which imposes additional duties on high carbon footprint products.”
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mohamed Shaker Al-Marqabi, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are delighted to inaugurate the solar power plant. This is a significant step towards achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030 for renewable energy, positioning Egypt as a regional and international hub for renewable energy production and trade. The participation of the private sector is crucial in this transformation, as seen in the collaborative projects between the Egyptian state and international entities in solar, wind, green fuel, and nuclear energy. Despite the high initial costs, these green energy projects promise long-term benefits, enhancing the state’s resources and preserving the rights of future generations.”
German Ambassador to Cairo, Mr. Frank Hartmann, highlighted the importance of the partnership between Egypt and German companies, stating, “German companies, with their extensive experience in green energy, are key partners in Egypt’s green transformation plans. This partnership supports Egypt’s vision of increasing reliance on renewable energy sources in the coming years. We are proud of our strategic relations with Egypt at all levels.”
Mr. Vinod Philip, Executive Board Member of Siemens Energy, elaborated on the specifics of the project, “Siemens Energy is a pioneer in green energy technologies, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Our new Solar PV plant, with a capacity of 1.9 MW, comprises 3,280 solar panels spread over 8,500 square meters. It is expected to produce approximately 3 GWh of clean electricity annually, covering about 90% of the site’s needs and reducing the carbon footprint by 1,500 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.”
This inauguration marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey towards sustainable development, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and green energy initiatives.
