Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), hosted Peter Mollema, the Dutch Ambassador to Egypt, to discuss expanding bilateral investment in renewable energy and green hydrogen production.

According to an official statement issued by the SCZONE, the meeting held at the authority’s New Capital headquarters focused on leveraging Egypt’s strategic location and natural resources to support the global energy transition.

Gamal El-Dien highlighted that the SCZONE is prioritizing the localization of green fuel industries as a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy.

Furthermore, he reviewed the progress of high-value projects within the zone, specifically the “Egypt Green Hydrogen” facility. The project is currently on track to export its first shipment of green ammonia to Germany by the end of 2027.

A key focus of the discussion was the development of “green corridors” designed to link Egyptian production hubs with international markets. Gamal El-Dien noted that establishing international regulatory frameworks, standardizing safety protocols, and creating long-term contractual mechanisms are essential to attracting and securing global investment in the future fuels sector.

To transition from planning to execution, Gamal El-Dien emphasized the need for continued coordination with international partners to develop supportive financing tools. He stated that simplifying procedures and integrating regulatory frameworks would create a more attractive environment for clean energy projects, enhancing their commercial feasibility.

For his part, Mollema affirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening ties with the SCZONE, describing the energy transition as a strategic path driven by mutual geopolitical and economic interests. He praised Egypt’s vast solar and wind energy potential, noting that the Dutch side is eager to explore partnerships across multiple technical and industrial fields to ensure long-term economic sustainability.

The recent dialogue between the SCZONE and the Netherlands builds upon a robust history of economic and energy cooperation. A defining pillar of this partnership is the “Duwaal from Wind to Wheel”  initiative, a strategic project involving a consortium of Dutch companies (including HYGRO and SoluForce) in collaboration with the SCZONE.

This project focuses on creating a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in Egypt, mirroring the Dutch Duwaal model by integrating wind and solar energy to produce green fuel for heavy transport and regional distribution.