Egypt: A look back at the 8th edition of the EGYPES exhibition held in Cairo from February 17 to 19 with 47,000 participants

While the energy transition was discussed, the discussions were dominated by issues surrounding hydrocarbons. China, the Gulf countries, the United States and Italy were among the most represented delegations, with a notable French presence as well.

Around ten agreements were signed on the sidelines of the show, covering the development of renewable energies, electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as energy efficiency and new hydrocarbon projects.

These agreements are mainly led by Egyptian groups, sometimes in partnership with international companies (Chinese, Saudi, Italian and German). A partnership was also concluded with the Greek Ministry of the Environment. The highlight of the show was the signing of a framework agreement between Egypt and Cyprus, in partnership with TotalEnergies and ENI, in the presence of the Egyptian and Cypriot presidents. Following on from the Egypt-Greece-Cyprus tripartite summit of December 2024, this agreement establishes the commercial principles for the transfer of gas extracted from the Cronos offshore field to Egyptian liquefaction infrastructure.

The interventions of six ministers allowed the government to affirm its energy ambitions and to highlight the success of interministerial coordination.

Oil Minister Karim Badawi highlighted Egypt’s opportunities in gas projects (drilling of 151 wells in six months, ongoing tender for 12 exploration blocks in the Mediterranean and the Delta, etc.). Collaboration between the Oil and Electricity Ministries was highlighted, with the latter congratulating themselves on having jointly ended summer power cuts.

The Electricity Minister stressed the strategic challenge of integrating the 22 GW of renewable energy under development into the grid, a point also highlighted by the Finance Minister. The latter was the only one to mention the sector’s ongoing challenges, without however mentioning the country’s dependence on LNG imports since the summer.

The conference was also an opportunity for many private sector players to highlight Egypt’s competitive advantage in the energy sector. Egypt is seen as an attractive energy hub thanks to its low electricity buyback cost, which appeals to industrialists. The priority will now be to obtain green certifications to secure exports, and to develop an appropriate regulatory framework, essential to attract private financing.

The panelists also called on Egypt to capitalize on its strategic positioning to strengthen their ties with Europe, a strategic market.

Source French Embassy in Cairo