The Ministry of Electricity discusses with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency ways to promote renewable energy

In light of the energy supply crisis and in view of the surrounding geopolitical tensions, achieving energy security has become a fundamental pillar for enhancing the competitiveness of national economies, and with the increasing international trend towards expanding sources ofRenewable energy and adopting smart digital solutions, countries are racing to build energy systems that are more efficient, flexible and able to adapt to successive economic and environmental changes.

In this context, international partnerships stand out as one of the main drivers for supporting efforts to transition to clean energy, technology transfer, and building human and institutional capacities, which contribute to accelerating the implementation of national plans and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Egyptian-Japanese Partnership

From this standpoint, the Egyptian-Japanese partnership in the electricity and renewable energy sector embodies a model of cooperation based on exchanging experiences and employing innovation and modern technologies to support the transition towards relying on renewable and clean energy in a more sustainable and efficient manner.

In order to consolidate this fruitful partnership and effective cooperation between Egypt and Japan, and in light of the National Energy Strategy, maximizing renewable energy in the energy mix and relying on it, and the action plan for the energy transition and building institutional and human capacities, Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, met with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), headed by Mrs. Mitsui Yuko, First Vice President of the Agency, at the Ministry’s headquarters.

The meeting was attended by a number of relevant ministry leaders and representatives of the Japanese agency, to discuss ways to support and enhance cooperation and partnership in various fields related to electricity and renewable energies, the transition towards renewable energy, and launch training programs for skills development and capacity building, and support the use of modern technology in the field of control and smart meters.

Achieving energy security and reliance on renewable energy

The meeting also discussed developments in the implementation of technical cooperation projects, supporting the state’s efforts to achieve energy security and sustainability of its supply, and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, in addition to cooperation in the areas of energy planning and efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal (7) clean and affordable energy, Goal (13) climate action, in addition to the energy strategy and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The meeting also included discussing mechanisms to support future cooperation in the areas of training and developing workers’ skills, and building relevant regulatory and training frameworks, as well as supporting programs to raise energy efficiency and improve performance indicators in various sectors, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal (11) Sustainable Cities and Local Communities, and Goal (16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

The meeting discussed cooperation programs in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications, especially with regard to data analysis, load forecasting, production rates from solar energy, continuity of wind energy production rates throughout the day, energy demand, and supporting planning and decision-making processes, in a way that enhances the efficiency of resource management and improves institutional performance.

The development of cooperation in the field of human resources development and training was also reviewed within the framework of the Egyptian-Japanese initiative for cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which aims to qualify human cadres in the fields of energy efficiency policies and management, and contribute to increasing specialized cadres to lead efforts to transition towards renewable energy.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The technical cooperation project with the Japanese side is an important step towards developing an integrated implementation plan for the transition towards renewable energy that includes identifying priorities, future projects, and implementation and follow-up mechanisms, which contributes to enhancing the ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the energy sector and reduce carbon emissions.

The electricity and renewable energy sector is working with the Japanese Agency to promote the use of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and diversify energy sources. The Ministry has taken a set of measures to create the investment environment, support the private sector, and attract more investments.

The National Renewable Energy Strategy places as its top priority working hard to reach the percentage of renewable energy’s contribution to the energy mix to 45% in the energy mix in 2028, instead of 42% in 2030, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Future cooperation to achieve energy security

Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, stressed the depth of Egyptian-Japanese relations, which represent a role model for partnership, exchange of experiences, technology transfer, capacity building, cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and benefiting from the pioneering expertise it possesses in the fields of energy planning, energy efficiency, digital transformation, and technological innovation.

For her part, Ms. Mitsui Yoko, First Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, praised the rapid and remarkable development witnessed by the electricity and renewable energy sector in Egypt, stressing the agency’s keenness to continue supporting Egyptian efforts in implementing energy transition programs and promoting sustainable development, by transferring Japanese expertise, providing technical support, building institutional and human capabilities, and supporting national efforts aimed at building a more efficient and sustainable energy system capable of facing future challenges.

In conclusion, the Egyptian-Japanese partnership represents a model of cooperation that links advanced expertise and development needs, supporting the building of an institutional and human base capable of leading the transition towards renewable energy efficiently and sustainably.

The Earth Guards Foundation believes that employing artificial intelligence applications and expanding clean renewable energy sources is a gradual shift towards building an integrated system that anticipates the future and supports decision-making on scientific foundations and accurate data. It is a step that enhances the ability of the Egyptian economy to compete, attract investments, consolidate its position, and achieve comprehensive sustainable development.