The Sustainable Energy Chamber of Egypt's Cairo Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for the 'Shams El Sanabaa' initiative, aimed at expanding solar energy use in the industrial sector. Chamber head Eng. Ayman Hyba stated that the initiative aligns with the state's goals to reduce production costs and enhance Egyptian industry competitiveness. The chamber had contributed to the initiative's development, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in factories.
However, the Sustainable Energy Chamber has reservations about limiting the initiative's benefits to self-consumption systems, without implementing a net metering system. This system allows for the settlement of electricity generated and consumed from the grid. Hyba noted that this limitation may hinder the full economic potential of solar energy and lead to underutilization of investments in the industrial sector.
The 'Shams El Sanabaa' initiative aims to serve around 7,000 factories and add up to 1,000 megawatts of solar energy. Hyba stressed that diverse models are needed to cater to different industrial facility needs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. He also suggested exploring additional models, such as direct contracting between independent electricity producers and industrial consumers.
Hyba emphasized that the initiative's success depends not only on providing financing and installing solar plants but also on developing mechanisms for factories to economically benefit from clean electricity. He called for greater private sector participation in energy production and trading within the approved regulatory frameworks.
The Sustainable Energy Chamber head also highlighted the importance of private sector and professional representation in the initiative's steering committee. This would ensure that the expertise of developers, investors, and specialized companies in financing, implementation, and operation is utilized.
Hyba requested a review of the initiative's current limitations, advocating for the introduction of net metering or fair alternatives for utilizing surplus solar energy. He also recommended simplifying licensing, grid connection, and contracting procedures, expanding accessible financing, and setting clear indicators for measuring economic and investment outcomes.
Hyba clarified that the chamber's reservations concern the initiative's implementation mechanisms, not its objectives. He asserted that 'Shams El Sanabaa' presents an important opportunity to support Egyptian industry competitiveness and expand renewable energy, which can be maximized by introducing diverse solar energy utilization models and activating net metering.
Key points
- The Sustainable Energy Chamber of Egypt supports the 'Shams El Sanabaa' initiative but calls for a review of its current limitations.
- The initiative aims to add up to 1,000 megawatts of solar energy and serve around 7,000 factories.
- The chamber advocates for the introduction of net metering or fair alternatives for utilizing surplus solar energy.
