The European Union (EU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy organized “the First Euro-Egyptian Energy Day” on Friday 21st November 2014 at Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek to highlight the important role of individuals in saving energy.
HE Dr. Khaled Fahmy, Minister of Environment, stated that there is a huge need to use new and renewable energy not only because the increase in population but the increasing needs of individuals as well. He mentioned that Egypt is facing an energy challenge resulting from entire dependence on fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil, referring that the current crisis requires developing a future energy strategy.
HE Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises, declared that diversifying energy resources and developing new and renewable energies is important. HE Abdel Nour mentioned that energy is vital to industry, as it creates job opportunities and encourage industrial production.
Dr. Anhar Hegazy, Head of the Energy Efficiency unit at the Information and Descision Support Center (IDSC), stated that the selection of EU of this place reflects the importance given to citizens and raising awareness in an entertaining atmosphere to capture their interest.
Dr. Anhar added that energy saving awareness campaigns should include interacting activities as well as engaging citizens directly to ensure their response towards saving energy.
On behalf of the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr. Mohamed Mousa Omran, secretary general of the Minister, stated that electric energy is the basic foundation for all projects. He stated that around 1000 megawatt can be saved daily only if the citizens power off unused equipments.
Ambassador James Moran, EU Ambassador in Cairo, stated that the EU have been witnessing successes in the field of renewable energy and emissions reduction, this is reflected in the participation of a number of Egyptian ministries in this event.