Formed of Masdar, Infinity Power Holding, and Hassan Allam Utilities, the consortium in April (2022), signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Egyptian entities for the development of two green hydrogen plants in the country, with a target of establishing 4GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, producing up to 480,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

Read more: Masdar to support the development of a 4GW green hydrogen production project in Egypt

The new framework agreement, signed on the side-lines of COP27, will see the consortium enter into a binding framework agreement with the SCZONE, the Egyptian New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE).

Coming hot off the heels of the consortium’s announced intentions to establish 10GW of wind capacity in Egypt, H2 View understands, in the first phase of the project, the companies will establish the green hydrogen plant in the SCZONE, expected to be operational by 2026.

With plans of building another plant on the Mediterranean, the partners could extend capacity to 4GW by 2030, which could see the production of up to 2.3 million tonnes of green ammonia per year, as well as supplying green hydrogen for local industries.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate and Chairman of Masdar, said, “Today’s announcement serves to strengthen the ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Egypt and highlights our two nations’ commitment to delivering zero-carbon energy solutions.

“This 4GW green hydrogen programme  follows Masdar’s announcement last week of a 10GW wind project in Egypt, also with our partners Hassan Allam Utilities and Infinity Power Holding – both will support Egypt’s decarbonisation objectives.”

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, added, “This announcement takes us a vital step closer to advancing this massive collaborative project, which stands to bolster Egypt’s energy independence and enable the production of high-value green hydrogen derivatives for export, like green ammonia.”

Masdar last week (November 11), released a report highlighting the potential for Africa to produce between 30-60 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, with 20-40 million tonnes expected to be for transport in the form of pure hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels.

Read more: Africa could produce 30-60 million tonnes of hydrogen annually

Amr Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, commented, “Such strategic partnerships between Hassan Allam Utilities, Masdar, and Infinity Power provide more opportunities that support Egypt’s transition towards a green economy and promote sustainable development across the country.”