Egypt is taking steps towards establishing its first green methanol production project in Damiet, a port city. The project is considered the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East and is expected to contribute to positioning Egypt as a global producer of green fuel for ships.
The development agreement for the project was signed between Egypt and Scatec, a renewable energy developer from Norway. The project aims to create new opportunities for Egypt’s petrochemical sector to export green products.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources stated that the project will help Egypt produce green methanol with minimal or zero greenhouse gas emissions. Green methanol can be produced through different processes, including biomethanol derived from sustainable biomass and e-methanol produced from carbon dioxide and renewable electricity.
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Sustainable energy
The initial production capacity of the project is set at 40,000 tons of green methanol per year, with the potential for expansion to 200,000 tons annually to support the transition to green production. As part of the signed agreement, renewable energy stations, including solar and wind power installations, will be also constructed with capacities of at least 40MW and 120MW, respectively. Additionally, a 60MW capacity green hydrogen analysis facility, seawater desalination plant, and green methanol production and storage stations will be built.
This project is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to embrace renewable energy and sustainable practices. In November of the previous year, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store launched the first phase of a green hydrogen plant project in Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea. Egypt has also signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international entities to attract foreign investment in green hydrogen and position itself as a hub for hydrogen production.
Overall, the establishment of Egypt’s first green methanol production project and its focus on renewable energy initiatives demonstrate the country’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices and its aspiration to play a significant role in the global green energy landscape.
