Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, and Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Ahmed Rostom, discussed a plan to use power-generation infrastructure to establish seawater desalination facilities and, through private-sector partnerships, maximise the economic value of extracted salts.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Electricity on Friday, the meeting reviewed preliminary feasibility studies on utilising power plant infrastructure for seawater desalination, including its potential to reduce operating costs.
The two ministers also discussed financing mechanisms and the establishment of investment entities focused on the extraction and separation of salts and associated rare elements.
Esmat affirmed that efforts are underway to maximise the economic returns from power plants located along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts by utilising their infrastructure for seawater desalination.
He also noted that expanding energy-storage capacity aims to maximise the benefits of renewable energy during peak-demand periods and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Esmat highlighted the state’s strategy to enhance the economic returns from the extraction of rare elements and materials, noting that work is underway to establish investment entities in targeted sectors in co-ordination with the Ministry of Planning and provide the necessary financing and support.
For his part, Rostom stressed that investment in infrastructure is a key driver of sustainable economic growth, noting that electricity and renewable energy projects are among the top priorities of the state’s investment plan for attracting investment and promoting industrial localisation.
Rostom also underscored the importance of co-operation with NI Capital, NI Consulting, and the National Investment Bank to prepare economic studies and develop favourable financing arrangements in co-operation with international financial institutions and the private sector, supporting the transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
