UNDP Egypt advances climate action with green energy initiatives in Sharm El-Sheikh

The City of Sharm El-Sheikh is making significant strides in sustainability as part of Egypt’s broader climate action agenda. A high-level delegation, including Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment; UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, Alessandro Fracassetti; and South Sinai Governor, Dr. Khaled Mubarak, visited the city to assess the progress of key Green Sharm initiatives. These projects, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, are driving sustainable development and strengthening Sharm El-Sheikh’s reputation as a model for clean energy adoption.

With generous support from the EU Delegation to Egypt, the Embassy of Japan in Egypt, and The Global Environment Facility, these initiatives are transforming infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency in critical sectors. At Sharm El-Sheikh Airport, a 280 kW solar-powered car and bus park spanning 2,000 square meters is helping reduce carbon emissions while promoting clean energy adoption. A similar 280 kW solar station at the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum is contributing to the city’s renewable energy capacity and further cutting emissions.

Public infrastructure is also benefiting from these sustainability efforts, with the installation of 891 solar-powered LED streetlights between Domina Coral Bay Resort and the Convention Center, significantly improving energy efficiency. King Salman University now boasts an 80 kW solar station, producing 147 MWh annually, thereby reducing the university’s carbon footprint, thanks to funding from the government of Japan. Meanwhile, Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital is strengthening its sustainable energy use with a 50 kW solar power station, made possible through generous EU support.

The private sector is also playing a crucial role in the city’s clean energy transformation. The Monte Carlo Hotel has emerged as a prime example of corporate sustainability with the installation of an 800 kW solar power station, demonstrating the impact of private sector engagement in renewable energy solutions. The project, implemented in partnership with the Industrial Modernization Center (IMC), highlights the potential for co-financing future green energy projects to drive long-term sustainability.

These developments build on the legacy of the “Support to COP27” project, undertaken in partnership with the COP27 - UN Climate Change Conference Presidency through Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By integrating renewable energy into key public and private sector infrastructure, Sharm El-Sheikh is setting an example for sustainable urban development.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye