Egypt has commissioned the first phase of the integrated green hydrogen plant in Ain Sokhna. This occurred during an event at COP27 attended by Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah and the Norwegian prime minister, Jonas.

An expedited transition to renewable energy and fuels with lower carbon intensity is necessary to ensure the security of affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy for future generations. Hard abate sectors may be significantly decarbonized thanks to green hydrogen, which may be made from water and renewable energy.

The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, Fertiglobe, Orascom Construction, and Scatec are the project’s developers. Thanks to its shareholders OC N.V. and ADNNOC, Fertiglobe has a wide global network. Moreover, it pioneered the development of hydrogen and low-carbon ammonia. In Ain Sokhna, Fertiglobe’s two existing ammonia plants already have the hydrogen tie-ins necessary for up to 100MW of electrolysis.

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Overview of the integrated green hydrogen plant

This is Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen plant. When fully constructed, it will use 260 MW of solar and wind energy to power 100 MW of electrolysers. However, for the annual production of 90,000 tonnes of green ammonia, it will provide up to about 15,000 tonnes of green hydrogen as raw material.

Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec said, “Today marks a key milestone for Scatec. But more importantly, it represents a breakthrough for green hydrogen production in a strategic situated region. It is a privilege to collaborate on this project with Egyptian authorities and our industry partners. And to launch the green hydrogen project in Egypt during the UN global leaders’ climate summit.”

Ayman Soliman, CEO of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, stated that the project represents the nation’s goal to establish itself as a regional energy hub. Furthermore, Egypt has a lot of potential for producing hydrogen, especially given its wind and solar resources.

The nation has the ability to manufacture green hydrogen at the lowest cost in the world, starting at $2.68 per kg in 2025 and rising to $1.7 per kg in 2050, according to its Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy.