Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat held a high-level meeting with Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Stefano Sannino, Secretary General of the European External Action Service, along with their accompanying delegations, to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy. The discussions centred on advancing Egypt's energy transition by expanding the use of new and renewable energy sources, reinforcing the national power grid to accommodate increased capacity, and accelerating energy storage projects, particularly those using battery technology. Regional electricity interconnection was also a key focus, with specific reference to ongoing efforts to link Egypt's electricity grid to Europe via Italy and Greece. The meeting underscored the Ministry's commitment to encouraging private sector participation, with the aim of attracting both domestic and international investment into strategic energy initiatives. Esmat reaffirmed that public-private collaboration is central to Egypt's national energy strategy, especially in supporting innovation, boosting generation capacity, and ensuring long-term energy security. Officials also reviewed current and prospective areas of cooperation between the Ministry, the EIB, and the European Union. These include projects to upgrade the national unified grid, modernise control centres, expand solar and wind energy production, promote green hydrogen development, and increase energy storage capacity through both on-grid and off-grid solutions. Such projects are designed to optimise the use of renewable energy and improve overall grid stability, in line with Egypt's broader sustainable development goals. The Minister highlighted recent legislative reforms and investment incentives introduced by the government to foster a more attractive business environment for clean energy projects. These measures support the Ministry's integrated approach to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting emissions, and transitioning towards a more sustainable and diversified energy mix. Esmat described the roadmap as a key pillar of Egypt's long-term energy strategy, which aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and accelerate the shift to cleaner energy. He praised the ongoing collaboration with the EIB and the EU, noting their critical role in financing projects that enhance generation capacity, modernise infrastructure, and promote digital transformation within the electricity sector. He also welcomed increased private sector engagement, emphasising the importance of technical expertise and cutting-edge technologies in realising Egypt's energy vision. Esmat concluded by reaffirming Egypt's commitment to deepening its partnerships with international institutions to ensure energy security, sustainability, and economic growth.
