Energy leaders gathered in Cairo on October 31 at the 10th World Wind Energy Conference (WWEC) to discuss propelling renewable energy with a particular focus on North Africa. The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) treasurer Volker Thomsen said in the opening ceremony that the time was right to “convert deserts into powerhouses one oasis at a time.”
Egypt’s Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Hassan Younes added, “Renewable energy is a way to create a sustainable [environment].” The Minister detailed how Egypt’s current power generation was dominated by conventional energy at 89.9%, but said the country was pursuing its goal of incorporating 20% of renewable energy into its total power generation. He said this was possible with Egypt’s robust wind sector as well as having the ability to manufacturer 30% of all wind components locally. “We hope to reach 50% [of renewable energy] in our total electricity generation by 2050,” he added.
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