Ashraf AboArafe
(10 March 2024) Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – H.E Christian Berger, EU Ambassador to Egypt, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti and Ms Hoda El-Shawadfy, Assistant Minister of Environment for Environmental Tourism visited EU & UNDP funded projects in Sharm El-Sheikh under the joint project “Supporting the COP27 Presidency”.
During the visit, they explored solar power plants funded by the European Union in Sharm El-Sheikh. Highlights included a large solar car shed at Sharm Museum boasting a total capacity of 280 KW. Furthermore, they inspected smaller car sheds at the Yacht Marina and the Nature Conservation Sector Building in Sharm City, along with a rooftop solar power station on the new laboratories building in Ras Mohamed Protectorate, totaling 100 kW in capacity. These solar power stations were implemented in collaboration with the Industrial Modernization Center, a key partner of the UNDP Egypt “Egypt PV” project. Notably, the project also supported the installation of a 1 MW solar power station on the rooftop of the Sharm Convention Center prior to COP27.
The delegation also visited Sharm International Hospital to observe the newly installed Autoclave Unit for medical waste sterilization. With a capacity of 400 liters, the Autoclave is sufficient to treat the medical waste generated from the city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The installation of the autoclave unit was carried out in collaboration with the Egyptian Healthcare Authority. The intervention at Sharm Hospital also included the installation of a 22-kW solar power station to support the model green hospital program promoted by the Healthcare Authority.
During the visit, they also had the opportunity to explore the Ras Muhammed protected area. The Nabq Marine Research Center, renowned for its provision of on-reef facilities and services for coral reef research and ecology, has also successfully transitioned to solar energy. This significant achievement is credited to the “Green Sharm” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.
EU Ambassador to Egypt Christian Berger said that the EU-Egypt efforts in the clean energy transition is at its best here in Sharm el Sheikh. These efforts focus on solar energy, limiting waste incineration and conservation of biodiversity.
UNDP Egypt Resident Representative, Alessandro Fracassetti reiterated, “This collaborative project in Sharm El-Sheikh is a testament to our shared commitment to working alongside partners to advance sustainable development, address environmental challenges, and support Egypt’s energy transition. We look forward to continuing our partnership towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
This multi-donor funded project also includes financial contributions from Denmark, Switzerland, the Africa Climate Initiative, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
