Author: IEE

The IMC “Industrial Modernization Center” and EOS “Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality” in cooperation with the IEE Project in Egypt affiliated to UNIDO launched a series of awareness workshops for disseminating EnMS “Energy Management System” concepts in the industrial sector. These workshops took place on Wednesday, 17th September and the 1st of October 2014 at IMC premises.

The objective of these workshops was raising the awareness of decision makers in ceramics, cement, metallurgical industries and chemicals industries’ on EnMS and its implementation as well as the benefits and opportunities for saving energy in their facilities.

Engineer Ahmed Taha, Executive Director of IMC started his speech by ensuring that IMC since its foundation, has been focusing on fostering its ties with different international organizations of similar mandate. Eng. Ahmed Taha praised the efforts exerted in launching these workshops which is considered an outcome of transferring international experiences gained through IEE project as well as building national cadres capable of implementing EnMS in the industrial sector, which in turn will place the Egyptian industry on the international competitiveness map.

Dr. Hassan Abdel Meguid, Chairman of EOS stated that with the aggravation of the energy problem in the country, it is a must to find non-traditional solutions. One of these solutions is the implementation of EnMS inside industrial facilities. Since EOS is the competent and official body responsible for standardization activities, quality and industrial metrology, this workshop reflects the responsibility of EOS in energy efficiency.

Engineer Hasssan Abel Salam, Energy Manager of Royal Ceramics company praised the role of IEE and its positive impact on the company, he assured that the company will be capable to save 10% from electricity and 5% from the natural gas during the implementation of EnMS in the company. He also observed a big shift towards workers attitude in the factory and their keenness to save energy which is reflected on energy consumption.

The UNIDO commits to develop institutional capacity building, implementation and monitoring of industrial energy efficiency policies and programmes, including energy management standards. The IEE project follows the UNIDO approach by developing a training of trainers program for IMC and EOS participants to enable them in sharing and implementing EnMS in the industrial sector.

The IEE Project’s steering committee meeting was held on Monday 29th September at the EEAA premises. Dr. Attwa Hussein, the Head of the Environmental Management Sector who was chairing the meeting on behalf of EEAA CEO, pointed out that the project is considered one of the most important projects in Egypt due to the critical situation regarding energy security and the current changes in energy prices. Dr Attwa thanked the project team for the progress achieved and emphasized that the project is progressing in a satisfactory way during the reporting period.

Ms. Giovanna Ceglie, UNIDO representative thanked the project partners for the level of commitment shown along the last year and the deep involvement of the partners in the project plans and activities. She emphasized that regular interaction and cooperation between the project team and partners is taking place and that this partnership is a good model which needs to be replicated in other UNIDO projects.

Eng. Sherif Abdel Rehim, the EEAA National Project Director presented the last steering committee decisions and how they were addressed during the reporting period.

Ms. Rana Ghoneim, UNIDO Project Manager presented the preliminary findings of the mid-term review, which was carried out in line with the requirement of the Global Environment Facility.

Eng. Gihan Bayoumi, the National Project Coordinator presented the project progress from February 2014 till end of August 2014.

Dr. Hassan Abdel Megid, chairman of EOS has stressed on the importance of training national cadres for energy management and increasing the number of participating companies from the engineering sector. Steering Committee members affirmed that the project should be extended by one year to compensate for delays in starting up the project implementation and other delays during the first year of implementation.

A meeting with IEE project working group was held on Monday 18th August, 2014. Project progress was discussed including the finalization of the Benchmarking reports in three sector; cement, iron and steel and fertilizers by the end of November, the launching of IEE website and facebook page. The international consultant’s visit to industrial facilities to list the opportunities for no/low cost opportunities for energy savings.

Also the plan for energy efficiency trainings was discussed including the training for the EEAA Regional Branch Offices and the initiation of the System Optimization training. Finally, the midterm evaluation as well as the coming IEE steering committee dates were proposed.