UNDP Egypt drives climate action with green energy initiatives in Sharm El-Sheikh
Date: 2025-02-11
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt’s iconic coastal city, is emerging as a beacon of sustainability as it advances its green energy initiatives under Egypt’s broader climate action agenda. A high-level delegation, including Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment; Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt; and Dr. Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, has visited the city to assess the progress of the Green Sharm projects. These initiatives, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, are transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into a model for clean energy adoption and sustainable urban development.
Supported by the EU Delegation to Egypt, the Embassy of
Japan in Egypt, and The Global Environment Facility, the Green Sharm
initiatives are driving significant improvements in energy efficiency and
renewable energy adoption across the city. From solar-powered infrastructure to
energy-efficient public lighting, these projects are reducing carbon emissions
and setting a new standard for sustainable development in the region.
One of the standout projects is the 280 kW solar-powered
car and bus park at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport, covering 2,000 square meters. This
initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes the use of clean
energy in transportation hubs. Similarly, a 280 kW solar station at the Sharm
El-Sheikh Museum is contributing to the city’s renewable energy capacity,
further cutting emissions and showcasing the potential of solar energy in
public institutions.
Public infrastructure is also benefiting from these
sustainability efforts. A total of 891 solar-powered LED streetlights have been
installed along the stretch between Domina Coral Bay Resort and the Convention
Center, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing the city’s
carbon footprint. These streetlights are a testament to the city’s commitment
to integrating renewable energy into everyday life.
King Salman University has joined the green energy movement
with the installation of an 80 kW solar station, which produces 147 MWh of
clean energy annually. Funded by the government of Japan, this project is
helping the university reduce its carbon emissions while promoting sustainable
practices among students and staff. Meanwhile, Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital is
enhancing its energy efficiency with a 50 kW solar power station, made possible
through generous support from the EU. This initiative ensures that critical
healthcare services are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.
The private sector is playing a pivotal role in Sharm
El-Sheikh’s clean energy transformation. The Monte Carlo Hotel has set an
example for corporate sustainability by installing an 800 kW solar power
station. This project, implemented in partnership with the Industrial
Modernization Center (IMC), highlights the potential for private sector
engagement in renewable energy solutions. By co-financing green energy
projects, businesses like the Monte Carlo Hotel are demonstrating how
sustainability can be integrated into commercial operations while driving
long-term environmental benefits.
These green energy initiatives build on the momentum
generated by the “Support to COP27” project, which was undertaken in
partnership with the COP27 - UN Climate Change Conference Presidency through
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
