The Egypt Energy Conference, EGYPES 2024, commenced on February 19 at the Al Manara International Conference Center in New Cairo, marking the initiation of a pivotal international energy transition conference.
Over three days, EGYPES 2024 aims to delve into the intricacies of the energy transition, addressing the pressing need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in the face of escalating climate change challenges.
This globally attended conference assembles experts and agencies from diverse corners of the world, united in their quest for a more efficient and environmentally conscious energy sector.
Under the overarching theme of “Driving Energy Transition, Security, and Decarbonization,” EGYPES 2024 serves as a platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations and solutions within the oil and gas sector.
In his opening address at the conference, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt extended a warm welcome to the multitude of participants.
He emphasised the significance of technology, acknowledging its pivotal role despite the associated high investments and costs, positioning it at the forefront of the ongoing energy discourse.
“Minster Tarek El-Mulla spoke about how, during the past 7 years, Egypt was able to introduce ‘clean cooking’ in about 60% of residential units operate on natural gas. “Did you know the amount of effort that Egypt has put into implementing this?” President el-Sisi asked.
“Over the past years, we have spent a lot of money just to achieve this goal. If the necessary funding is not available for countries whose economies are modest or difficult – what can they do?”
Despite the commendable commitment of nearly $100 billion pledged for energy at the 2015 Paris Conference, the implementation of these pledges by developed countries, primarily responsible for the global climate crisis, has been lacking, according to the speaker.
The delay in action post-conference highlights a significant gap in addressing the pressing issue.
Tarek El-Molla, the petroleum minister of the country, sees the timing of the energy transition conference as opportune, given the ongoing challenges posed by global warming and the potential jeopardy to sustainable development. He underscored Egypt’s unwavering commitment to the global shift tow
ards hydrogen and other clean energy sources, asserting that EGYPES 2024 will play a vital role in shaping a more promising future for the energy industry and its workforce.
El-Molla called for heightened support and flexible funding for African nations, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts with international agencies to achieve a just and secure energy transition.
The conference, boasting more than 300 speakers and over 80 sessions, will address six key priorities: energy security, decarbonization, digitalization, innovation, investment, and human capital..
