Sharm El Sheikh- Green technology has immense potential to transform the energy landscape and contribute significantly to a sustainable future. Building on the success of COP27 and the success of ongoing energy transition in Sharm El Sheikh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of Japan and the Governorate of South Sinai inaugurated a solar power station installed at the car shed of the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. 

During his first official trip abroad since assuming office, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, Abdallah Al Dardari presided over the inauguration ceremony alongside Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Finance, KANEKO Shunpei, and the Governor of South Sinai, Eng. Khaled Fouda.

From his side, Governor of South Sinai Eng. Khaled Fouda stated, “The inauguration of the new solar energy station at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into a green city. This project is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the Governorate of South Sinai, and the generous support of the Japanese government. By implementing the latest sustainable solutions, we are proud to lead Egypt in adopting innovative practices towards a greener future."

On the other hand, Director of Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport Nabil El Mallah highlighted the remarkable achievement of the solar energy project implemented in Sharm El Sheikh. He expressed his aspiration to extend this model to all Egyptian airports, emphasizing that “In case of surplus energy, it can be effectively utilized instead of being wasted. This project not only contributes to sustainability but also optimizes energy consumption and space utilization, setting a pioneering example for the aviation industry in Egypt."

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Finance, KANEKO Shunpei emphasized the importance of the global decarbonization, including in Egypt. "We are expecting that this project in partnership with UNDP will drive Egypt to expand its green projects with its huge potential of renewable energy," he stated.

Al Dardari expressed his admiration for the utilization of solar energy and the commendable efforts to amplify its usage in Egypt. He emphasized the valuable partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan, which extends to critical issues. Through these partnerships, progress is made on the issues that matter most.

“During the visit UNDP Regional Director Abdallah Al Dardari said, “Over decades, UNDP and the Government of Japan have developed an important partnership for sustainable development, spanning vital areas and addressing critical global challenges, from climate change mitigation to conflict prevention.”

He added, "Today we have witnessed an example of how we are making a difference together, promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green public transportation in Egypt. We value Egypt’s leadership in adopting and expanding the use of solar energy among its energy mix.”

From his side, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti said, “As part of our ongoing collaboration, together with the Ministry of Environment and Global Environment Facility (GEF), our Green Sharm project further advances the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in Sharm El Sheikh, setting a model for solar energy applications not only in Egypt but also throughout the region”

“The solar panel station at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a testament to the commitment of UNDP, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Governorate of South Sinai, and the Government of Japan to promote sustainable energy solutions and drive positive change. This milestone marks another step towards achieving a greener and more resilient future for Egypt,” he added.

 Since 2022, together with our partners, we planned for a greener Sharm for COP 27. Today, over 40MW of solar power stations have been installed across the city, generating 68 million MWh/year, cutting 35k tons of CO2 emissions.