Egypt and Netherland discuss green hydrogen partnership
Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, met with Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Cairo, to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation in various sectors, particularly green hydrogen and renewable energy projects.
This meeting follows several important developments in the growing economic relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands.
In May, Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), went on a promotional tour to encourage Dutch investments in Egypt’s growing green hydrogen sector as part of broader efforts to attract international investors to Egypt’s renewable energy initiatives.
Deepening economic ties between Egypt and the Netherlands
Throughout the conference, Esmat and Mollema discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on green hydrogen technology, energy transition, and the development of sustainable infrastructure.
The partners explored how both Egypt and the Netherlands can collaborate in the green hydrogen value chain, from production and processing to storage and transportation.
Esmat emphasised the significance of attracting “new investments in modern technologies”, with an emphasis on green hydrogen, which is seen as a vital component of Egypt’s long-term energy strategy.
Localisation of green hydrogen industries
Mollema and Esmat further discussed the need to localise green hydrogen industries in Egypt in order to promote sustainable energy production.
Esmat reiterated Egypt’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in clean energy, noting that “green hydrogen plays a critical role in achieving these objectives”.
“We also look forward to promoting the development of the green hydrogen market through multilateral integration and cooperation with international organisations and initiatives,” explained Esmat.
The two countries also explored opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange, as well as the involvement of Dutch companies in Egypt’s green hydrogen projects.
The two regions have a robust trade relationship, with Mollema stating how “Egypt is a key partner in the search for solutions”.
In 2023, the trade exchange between the Netherlands and Egypt reached €3.5bn, with Netherlands having exported goods worth €2bn to Egypt, while Egypt exported goods valued at €1.5bn to the Netherlands.
Economically, the Netherlands sees substantial potential in collaborating with Egypt on green hydrogen and agriculture, with both sectors expected to see increasing partnerships and investments.
In November, Badr Abdel-Atti, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, confirmed that he had reached an agreement with Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Veldkamp to activate the Joint Business Council and organise an upcoming business forum.
This initiative will bring together business leaders from both countries to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships.
Abdel Atti previously emphasised Egypt’s potential, stating: “Egypt has skilled labour and a very huge market that extends via free trade agreements linking Egypt with regional and international parties”.
