Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi directed the development of local manufacturing in the black sand industry and related value-added products, as well as fertilizers and rare earth elements.
According to State Information Service Egypt, this directive came during President Sisi's meeting in New Alamein with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, and Chairman of the Concord for Engineering and Contracting Ahmed el-Abd. Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy stated that the meeting reviewed the latest developments in implementing the national strategy to expand new and renewable energy projects. The strategy aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 45 percent of total generated electricity by 2028.
The state's drive to increase reliance on new and renewable energy sources involves expanding battery-based electricity storage technologies to secure the national grid and ensure stable and continuous power supplies. Esmat reported that total investments in the electricity and new and renewable energy sector have reached around EGP 5 trillion since 2014.
The presidential spokesman highlighted the role of international partners in providing technical support and financing for renewable energy projects. This support contributes to strengthening Egypt's position as a regional energy hub and a center for the manufacturing of electrical equipment. President Sisi emphasized the importance of supporting partnerships, especially those utilizing locally manufactured equipment, particularly energy storage batteries.
He further underscored the necessity of supporting the localization of industries related to new and renewable energy, which are crucial for energy security and the green transition. The minister of electricity reviewed efforts to develop industries related to the electricity and new and renewable energy sectors. In this context, President Sisi reiterated the need to enhance local manufacturing in black sand industries, fertilizers, and rare earth elements.