Eni has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on producing hydrogen in Egypt.
It signed the deal with Egyptian Natural Gas Holding (EGAS) and Egyptian Electricity Holding Co. (EEHC).
The companies will carry out a joint study on producing renewable energy powered green hydrogen. They will also work on blue hydrogen. This involves reforming natural gas and capturing the resulting CO2, in this instance in depleted natural gas fields.
The study will also consider domestic hydrogen use and export options.
Eni said the MoU was in line with its plans to eliminate net emissions and emissions cancel emission intensity by 2050. The company noted the agreement was in line with Egypt’s plan for the energy transition, in which it pursues hydrogen plans with major international companies.
A statement from the Ministry of Petroleum noted the state’s interest in entering the field with new projects. Egypt is keen to diversify its sources of energy production. It aims to optimise the use of its natural resources and renewable energy opportunities.
EGAS president Magdy Galal, EEHC’s Gaber El-Desouky and Eni subsidiary IEOC manager Marco Rotondi signed the MoU.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker witnessed the signing of the agreement, with Eni’s COO of natural resources Alessandro Puliti.
State support
El Molla noted that the rapid signing demonstrated the drive from political leaders to establish Egypt’s position in hydrogen. Support for hydrogen goes all the way to the president, he said.
Shaker highlighted green hydrogen potential. Egypt, he said, was well suited for renewable energy production.
Egypt has signed agreements on green hydrogen with Germany’s Siemens and Belgium’s DEME Group, according to local reports.