Author: Green Tech Egypt

Cairo: November 21, 2024

General Mohamed Salah, the Minister of Military Production, met with Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of Green Tech Egypt and Renergy Group Partner, togetherwith Mr Eslam Ramadan, the company’s manager, at the ministryin the New Administrative Capital.

Minister Mohamed Salah stated that the meeting was intended to review the progress of ongoing cooperation between the two parties on various development projects, including the development of Egypt’s first WTE power plant. The project is being carried out through the “Renergy Group Partners” consortium, which includes (the Ministry of Military Production, Green Tech Egypt, and OAK Holdings). The plant, located in Abu Rawash, Giza Governorate, is designed to process 1,200 tons of waste per day to produce 30 MW of electricity. This initiative contributes to creating a healthy and clean environment, enhancing Egypt’s climate security, and improving citizens’ living standards.

The Minister emphasised his commitment to closely monitoring all developments related to this national project and working with all participating entities to overcome any obstacles.

Minister Mohamed Salah highlighted the Egyptian government’s interest in promotinga supportive climate to encourage environmental investment to combat climate change. This includes involving the private sector in projects such as upgrading and establishing waste facilities. 

Mr Robert Valk praised the continuous coordination among all parties involved in the waste-to-energy project and emphasised its expected positive impact on the environment and economy. He also praised Egypt’s efforts to expand clean energy projects, supporting the country’s climate change mitigation goals. Furthermore, he appreciated the government’s commitment to integrating the private sector and enhancing its role in waste management and various manufacturing sectors.

The annual 14th Dii Desert Energy Leadership Summit, held in Vienna from 15 to 16 October 2024, brought together the energy transition leaders who are partners of the Dii Desert. The summit provided a platform to address critical energy issues and collaboratively shape the future of clean energy.

Dii Desert is focused on accelerating renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives in the MENA region and emphasising collaborations between the region and Europe.

Mr Robert Valk, CEO and founder of Green Tech Egypt & Renergy Group Partners, and Mr Frans van Breugel, Project Director, attended the summit along with nearly 200 leaders of the energy transition industry, including over 30 CEOs and energy experts who were committed to meeting the global target of net-zero emissions. 

The summit included panel discussions, which covered topics such as carbon pricing, mandatory emissions trading systems, voluntary offset programs, and the potential for an interconnected global trading framework. Moreover, liquid hydrogen’s growing role as a versatile energy carrier was a key focus, with experts presenting a joint paper on its contributions to the energy transition. 

Additionally, during the summit, a range of innovations were shared that are advancing across the energy value chain, including integrated green power and hydrogen production, DC grids, liquid hydrogen, direct air capturing, and energy storage solutions. These innovations highlight the fast-changing environment of sustainable energy and the collective commitment needed to push the industry forward and achieve the energy targets set for 2030 and 2050.

General Mohamed Salah, the Minister of Military Production, met with Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of Green Tech Egypt and Renergy Group Partner, along with Mr Eslam Ramadan, the company’s manager, at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Minister Mohamed Salah emphasised that the meeting aimed to review the progress of several developmental projects, including Egypt’s first waste-to-energy plant for processing municipal solid waste. This project is being developed by the Renergy Group Partners, which includes the Ministry of Military Production, Green Tech Egypt, and OAK Holdings. Located in the Abu Rawash area of Giza Governorate, the plant will process 1,200 tons of waste per day, generating 30 MW of electricity. The project supports Egypt’s efforts to improve environmental health, enhance climate security, and boost living conditions.

The minister restated the ministry’s commitment to closely monitor the project’s progress and ensure its successful execution. He also highlighted the Egyptian government’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for environmental investments, combating climate change, and involving the private sector in waste management and other industrial projects.

During the meeting, Mr Robert Valk provided an update on the waste-to-energy project. He noted that the initial designs have been completed, including architectural plans, boilers, turbines, electrical systems, and water and sewage infrastructure. The environmental impact assessment is finished, and the Giza Governorate has been approached to allocate approximately 500m² of land for the construction of the power distribution building, which will connect the waste-to-energy plant to the Giza Industrial Substation. Mr Robert Valk praised the ongoing cooperation between all involved parties and stressed the project’s positive environmental and economic impacts.

Mr Robert Valk also commended Egypt’s efforts to diversify energy sources, particularly clean energy, and the government’s commitment to integrating the private sector in waste management and other industries.

Mr Mohamed Eid Bakr, the media advisor to the Minister of State for Military Production, added that the ministry is dedicated to executing projects assigned to its affiliated companies with the highest efficiency, adhering to international standards, and ensuring timely completion. He stressed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with various entities across the state to implement national projects to meet citizens’ needs.

Under Minister Dr Yasmine Fouad’s directives, the Ministry of Environment is actively engaging the private sector in Egypt’s waste management and clean energy initiatives. This effort aligns with the broader national strategy to promote renewable energy projects.

A recent meeting was held to discuss the progress of establishing Egypt’s first municipal solid Waste-to-Energy plant in Abu Rawash, Giza. Mr Yasser Abdullah, Assistant to the Minister of Environment and CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, met with key stakeholders, including Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of Green Tech Egypt & Renergy Group Partners, Mr Ali Al-Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer UAE, and Mr Eslam Ramadan, Company Manager of Green Tech Egypt. They discussed the latest updates on the Abu Rawash project, managed by the Renergy Group Partners consortium, which includes Military Production, Green Tech Egypt, and Oak Holding.

Mr Valk praised the ongoing coordination among all parties involved in the Waste-to-Energy project, emphasising its anticipated positive impact on the environment and economy. Mr Abdullah reiterated the importance of integrating the private sector into the waste management system. He discussed potential investments by Tadweer UAE in various types of waste management in Egypt, including municipal, construction and demolition, medical, and agricultural waste.

Tadweer UAE is the financial investor, funder, and strategic partner for the Abu Rawash project, a collaboration between the Giza Governorate, the National Authority for Military Production, and Renergy Group Partners.

Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of Renergy Group Partners, presented the Mega Scale Hydrogen Project during the trade mission “The Green Hydrogen Bridge.” This event was organized by the Dutch government Agency RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt.

The Mega Scale Hydrogen Project stands out by combining unique geographical features— the sea, level terrain, and mountain areas—while operating entirely off-grid. With the integration of a hydro-storage reservoir, the project ensures a consistent production cycle, both day and night, throughout the year. With a focus on the European off-take market, the trade mission proved highly productive, offering a platform for exchanging innovative ideas and strategies to move the green hydrogen industry forward.

The Green Hydrogen Bridge” is a Multi-Stakeholder Strategy Workshop designed to bring together key figures from the Egyptian and Dutch green hydrogen sectors. The workshop featured government representatives, policymakers, private sector companies, and research institutions. By facilitating collaboration and exchanging knowledge, the event aims to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen solutions in Egypt. Participants had the opportunity to connect with valuable stakeholders and explore new business opportunities.

Founder and CEO of Renergy Group Partners & Green Tech Egypt, Mr Robert Valk, participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Chasing Green—Clean and Renewable Energies’ at EGYPES 2024. EGYPES is an important platform and conference for industry leaders to discuss the advancements and challenges within the energy and renewable energy industry.

The different panel discussions at EGYPES 2024 were dynamic exchanges of ideas and insights, shedding light on the remarkable strides made in the renewable energy sector. Mr Valk contributed his expertise to an engaging conversation that underscored the key role of renewable energies and different opportunities for Egypt in combatting climate change.

The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for collective action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Renergy Group Partners remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change through innovative renewable energy solutions.

Dr Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Environment, held a meeting with Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of “Renergy Group Partners & Green Tech Egypt,” to discuss the latest developments in implementing the solid municipal waste conversion to electrical energy station in Abu Rawash. This project, the first of its kind in Egypt, is crucial in paving the way for similar endeavors in various provinces. The meeting, attended by Dr Tarek El-Araby, the CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, focused on the project’s progress, procedural, logistical, and investment challenges, and proposed solutions. The total investment cost for the project is approximately $120 million, with a capacity of processing 1200 tons per day, generating 30 megawatts per hour. The project is executed under the contract signed between the alliance (National Organization for Military Production and Renergy Group Partners) and the Giza Governorate, with the collaboration of several ministries.

Dr Yasmin Fouad emphasized that this project marks the beginning of a series of waste-to-energy projects. The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with partner ministries and entities, supported by the Cabinet, is working to provide equal opportunities for participation, encouraging investment in this field for its environmental and economic benefits to the Egyptian state. The project represents a significant step in Egypt’s localization of waste-to-energy technology and strengthens the partnership with the private sector.

Furthermore, Dr Yasmin Fouad highlighted that the project will maximize the utilization of waste by reducing the quantity destined for final disposal, mitigating emissions from the waste sector as a contributor to climate change. The project brings both social and economic benefits by providing a new energy source. It represents an inspiring initiative in preparing the supportive climate for waste-to-energy projects in Egypt through partnerships with the private sector.

Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of “Renergy Group Partners & Green Tech Egypt,” presented the efforts made in the past period to progress the project, including completing the environmental impact assessment, finalizing the project design, and coordinating with various partner entities to complete necessary procedures. He discussed the challenges faced during implementation and proposed solutions, commending the efforts of ministries and partner entities in project preparation.

General Mohamed Salah, the Minister of Military Production, met with “Renergy Group Partners” to discuss the latest developments in implementing Egypt’s first power plant generating electricity from waste. The meeting, hosted at the Ministry of Military Production headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, included Mr Robert Valk, CEO of Renergy Group Partners and Green Tech Egypt, and Mr Eslam Ramadan, Company Manager of Renergy Group Partners & Green Tech Egypt, who discussed the progress of the waste treatment project.

Minister Mohamed Salah welcomed the Renergy Group Partners delegation, emphasising Egypt’s interest in creating a supportive environment for environmental investment. He highlighted the state’s commitment to tackling climate change and involving the private sector in projects that promote environmental sustainability. The collaboration between Military Production, Green Tech Egypt, and OAK Holding in the Renergy Group Partners alliance was emphasised.

In cooperation with Green Tech and OAK, the minister mentioned that the Ministry of Military Production has initiated the executive steps to establish a waste treatment station in Abu Rawash, Giza Governorate. The project aims to convert solid municipal waste into electrical energy, with a capacity of 30 megawatts per hour, processing 1200 tons of waste per day. The minister stressed the ministry’s participation in various national projects to support comprehensive and sustainable development, utilising the surplus production capacity of its diverse companies.

Mr Robert Valk, CEO of Renergy Group Partners and Green Tech Egypt, outlined the executive status of the waste-to-energy project in Abu Rawash. He commended the continuous coordination among relevant entities involved in the project, anticipating its significant positive impact on Egypt’s environment and national economy. Mr Valk expressed appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to expand clean and renewable energy projects, integrating the private sector to enhance waste management.

The media advisor to the Minister of Military Production and the official spokesperson for the ministry, Mr Mohamed Eid Bakr, mentioned that this meeting is part of a series aimed at monitoring the progress of the solid municipal waste-to-electricity project in Abu Rawash.

Representatives from the Ministry of Military Production attending the meeting included Engineer Emile Helmy Elias, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Authority for Military Production and Executive Director, Engineer Mohamed Sherin Mohamed, Supervisor of the Minister’s Office Central Administration, Engineer Mohamed Abu El Naga, Advisor to the Deputy Minister, and Engineer Mounir Helal, Head of the Technical Follow-up Sector.

General Mohamed Salah, the Minister of Military Production, met with Dr. Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Environment, and General Hisham Ameen, the Minister of Local Development. The discussion centred on the progress of the executive status of the waste-to-energy conversion project in Abu Rawash (Giza) and of basic infrastructure projects for the municipal solid waste system in various provinces.

Minister Mohamed Salah highlighted the commitment of relevant authorities to swiftly implement the waste-to-energy conversion station project, aligning with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to enhance citizens’ quality of life.

The waste-to-energy conversion project in Abu Rawash aims to convert 1200 tons of waste daily into electricity, generating 30 megawatts per hour. The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy specialists are assessing the feasibility of connecting the station to the industrial transformers station in Giza. Coordination is ongoing to determine the cable path between Abu Rawash and Giza, enabling the project’s executing company, “Renergy Group Partners,” to proceed with necessary drawings and technical work for implementation.

Dr. Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Environment, praised the fruitful collaboration between ministries over five years, working towards an integrated waste management system in Egypt. She emphasised the significance of the waste-to-energy project in Abu Rawash for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

General Hisham Ameen, the Minister of Local Development, affirmed support for the waste-to-energy project, highlighting its uniqueness in Egypt and its role in the integrated municipal waste system.

The meeting attendees included Engineer Emil Helmy Elias, Deputy Chairman of the National Authority for Military Production, and key officials from the ministry.

General Khaled Foudh, the Governor of South Sinai, has expressed his strong support for the ambitious Mega Scale Green Hydrogen project in the South Sinai Region during his meeting with Mr Robert Valk, Founder and CEO of Renergy Group Partners and Green Tech Egypt. The Mega Scale Green Hydrogen aims to produce more than 400,000 tons of Green Hydrogen every year. Led by Renergy Group Partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Military Production (MOMP), the project has gained significant acceleration since it received approval from Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly last month. General Khaled Foudh also discussed the project with the Minister of MOMP, His Excellency Mohamed Salah.

The meeting between General Khaled Foudh and Mr Robert Valk underscores Egypt’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology and promoting sustainable development. This project is a major milestone in Egypt’s clean and sustainable energy pursuit. It aligns with the decision made by the Cabinet this year, laying the groundwork for establishing the National Council for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. The successful partnership between the Governorate of South Sinai and the Ministry of Military Production highlights their collaborative spirit.

General Khaled Foudh supports the proposal to build the Green Hydrogen Production Plant within the governorate’s boundaries, acknowledging the natural and topographic advantages of the location. Furthermore, the project is expected to boost the technology and labour sectors by creating thousands of jobs and bringing cutting-edge hydrogen technology to South Sinai.

The meeting brought together key figures, including General Ahmed Mohammed Alexandrani, Secretary General of the Governorate; General Muhammad Shair, Assistant Secretary General; Mr Mabrouk Mohammed Al-Ghamrini, President of the City of Tor Sinai, and Engineer Mustafa Abdo Ahmed, Director of the General Administration for Planning and Urban Development in the South Sinai Governorate, as well as Mr Eslam Ramadan, Manager of Renergy Group Partners and Green Tech Egypt.