Zaha Hadid project and Cairo House by Shahira H. Fahmy Architects culled from e architect
Excerpt from the Brunei Times:
Thursday, July 30, 2009
EGYPT receives some of the highest annual solar radiation in the world, yet the desert country remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. "There is a lot of unachieved potential here," says Amr Mohsen, chairman and CEO of Lotus Solar Technologies, an Egyptian firm specialising in solar applications. "The sun is not only strong, but you have everything you need to produce the cheapest kilowatt hour in the region."
Egypt lies in the North African sun belt with flat desert topography and perennially clear skies favourable to commercial solar technologies. Annual solar concentration averages 2,300 KWh per square metre, about 130 per cent higher than Germany; yet per capita use of solar technologies is less than 10 per cent of Germany's. Instead, the country relies on dwindling oil and gas reserves to generate over 85 per cent of its energy requirements. A national strategy to utilise 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020 anticipates a share of just two per cent for solar energy, the remainder allocated to hydro and wind energy.
While photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are used to power some low-energy applications such as telecom relay towers and highway billboards, consumer initiatives to encourage the use of solar water heating have failed to generate widespread support. "The total area of domestic solar water heaters in Egypt is 400,000 to 500,000 square metres for a population of 80 million — and half (the units) don't work," says Mohsen. In Israel, by comparison, the area is six million square metres for six million people. A 360-litre solar water heater, enough to meet the daily hot water needs of a small family, has a six-square-metre footprint and costs about US$1,200 ($1,750). "It takes only five years to realise savings," says Gamil Nazir, a sales technician at Egypt Solar Energy Systems. "But people don't buy because the initial cost is high and the government doesn't offer any financing incentives."
Industrial process heating remains the largest untapped potential application for solar energy in Egypt. "More than half of the fossil fuel burnt in Egypt is for the sole purpose of heating water or generating steam, which is well within the reach of solar technology," says Mohsen. Solar hot water systems could be used to pasteurise milk, sterilise bottles and clean laundry in tens of thousands of factories and businesses. Many company owners are unaware of financial incentives offered for converting to solar energy. Factories that apply clean energy solutions are eligible for a grant from the Cairo-based Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC) equivalent to 15 per cent of the conversion cost.
Mohsen says the availability of cheap, subsidised oil and gas means companies have no incentive to change. "With subsidies in place, the payback on capital for mazout (conversion) is about 10 years; and about six years for natural gas. But if you remove subsidies on natural gas, the payback comes in under four years. People would certainly reconsider then."
Egypt is preparing new legislation to regulate its electricity sector that proposes the removal of energy subsidies and, for the first time, feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. But what could really shift the balance is an amendment to municipal building codes, say environment officials. "We need legislation establishing that building permits will not be issued to investors unless they install solar water heaters on the roofs of their buildings," says Hisham El-Agamawy, head of Energy Projects at the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). "This will encourage owners of factories, offices and apartments to think green." IPS
...........................................................................................................
BASIC INFORMATION
Name: Renewable Energy for Daily Life: Solar Water Heating
in El Menia
Implementing Organizations: Society for Community Welfare
in Kom El Aghdar-Maghagha, CBO (2 projects), and Coptic
Evangelical Organization for Social Services, NGO (1 project)
Location: urban and peri-urban areas, Egypt
SGP contribution: 3 grants, totaling $65,835: $11,184 (June
1998-June 1999); $26,527 (June 1998 – June 2000), and
$28,124 (November 2000 – November 2001); $211,166 for
all eight SGP solar water heater grants in Egypt
Start Date: June 1998 (2 projects), and November 2000
(1 project)
Excerpt from UNDP Report
Egypt lies in the North African sun belt with flat desert topography and perennially clear skies favourable to commercial solar technologies. Annual solar concentration averages 2,300 KWh per square metre, about 130 per cent higher than Germany; yet per capita use of solar technologies is less than 10 per cent of Germany's. Instead, the country relies on dwindling oil and gas reserves to generate over 85 per cent of its energy requirements. A national strategy to utilise 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020 anticipates a share of just two per cent for solar energy, the remainder allocated to hydro and wind energy.
While photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are used to power some low-energy applications such as telecom relay towers and highway billboards, consumer initiatives to encourage the use of solar water heating have failed to generate widespread support. "The total area of domestic solar water heaters in Egypt is 400,000 to 500,000 square metres for a population of 80 million — and half (the units) don't work," says Mohsen. In Israel, by comparison, the area is six million square metres for six million people. A 360-litre solar water heater, enough to meet the daily hot water needs of a small family, has a six-square-metre footprint and costs about US$1,200 ($1,750). "It takes only five years to realise savings," says Gamil Nazir, a sales technician at Egypt Solar Energy Systems. "But people don't buy because the initial cost is high and the government doesn't offer any financing incentives."
Industrial process heating remains the largest untapped potential application for solar energy in Egypt. "More than half of the fossil fuel burnt in Egypt is for the sole purpose of heating water or generating steam, which is well within the reach of solar technology," says Mohsen. Solar hot water systems could be used to pasteurise milk, sterilise bottles and clean laundry in tens of thousands of factories and businesses. Many company owners are unaware of financial incentives offered for converting to solar energy. Factories that apply clean energy solutions are eligible for a grant from the Cairo-based Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC) equivalent to 15 per cent of the conversion cost.
Mohsen says the availability of cheap, subsidised oil and gas means companies have no incentive to change. "With subsidies in place, the payback on capital for mazout (conversion) is about 10 years; and about six years for natural gas. But if you remove subsidies on natural gas, the payback comes in under four years. People would certainly reconsider then."
Egypt is preparing new legislation to regulate its electricity sector that proposes the removal of energy subsidies and, for the first time, feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. But what could really shift the balance is an amendment to municipal building codes, say environment officials. "We need legislation establishing that building permits will not be issued to investors unless they install solar water heaters on the roofs of their buildings," says Hisham El-Agamawy, head of Energy Projects at the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). "This will encourage owners of factories, offices and apartments to think green." IPS
...........................................................................................................
Solar Energy for Heating Water in
Urban/Peri-Urban Areas, Egypt
Renewable energy
Financing mechanisms and private sector involvement
Technical capacity development
Poverty alleviation (MDG 1)
Urban/Peri-Urban Areas, Egypt
Renewable energy
Financing mechanisms and private sector involvement
Technical capacity development
Poverty alleviation (MDG 1)
BASIC INFORMATION
Name: Renewable Energy for Daily Life: Solar Water Heating
in El Menia
Implementing Organizations: Society for Community Welfare
in Kom El Aghdar-Maghagha, CBO (2 projects), and Coptic
Evangelical Organization for Social Services, NGO (1 project)
Location: urban and peri-urban areas, Egypt
SGP contribution: 3 grants, totaling $65,835: $11,184 (June
1998-June 1999); $26,527 (June 1998 – June 2000), and
$28,124 (November 2000 – November 2001); $211,166 for
all eight SGP solar water heater grants in Egypt
Start Date: June 1998 (2 projects), and November 2000
(1 project)
ENERGY OVERVIEW
Energy Resource: solar energy
Technology: solar water heaters
Application: water heating
Sector: domestic
Water Heater Capacity: 150 liters
Number Served: 164 solar water heaters (total for all three
projects); 429 solar water heaters installed by 8 SGP-funded
projects in Egypt, reaching 3,790 people
Energy Resource: solar energy
Technology: solar water heaters
Application: water heating
Sector: domestic
Water Heater Capacity: 150 liters
Number Served: 164 solar water heaters (total for all three
projects); 429 solar water heaters installed by 8 SGP-funded
projects in Egypt, reaching 3,790 people
BACKGROUND
Hot water is critical to maintaining adequate sanitation and
health. Often, water must be boiled in order to make it safe to
drink. In poor communities in Egypt, water is normally heated
using agricultural residues in a kanoun, which produces smoke
and is generally unsafe. In more well- off communities, electric
or gas water heaters are used, but there may be shortages of
gas cylinders, or electricity costs may be high. Egypt is well
endowed with solar energy, so solar water heating is a viable
option; on average, the sun is shining for 9-11 hours per day,
with an average insolation of 1900-2600 kWh/m2. These solar
water heater projects took place in poor villages and neighborhoods
surrounding El Menia, a city in Upper Egypt.
Hot water is critical to maintaining adequate sanitation and
health. Often, water must be boiled in order to make it safe to
drink. In poor communities in Egypt, water is normally heated
using agricultural residues in a kanoun, which produces smoke
and is generally unsafe. In more well- off communities, electric
or gas water heaters are used, but there may be shortages of
gas cylinders, or electricity costs may be high. Egypt is well
endowed with solar energy, so solar water heating is a viable
option; on average, the sun is shining for 9-11 hours per day,
with an average insolation of 1900-2600 kWh/m2. These solar
water heater projects took place in poor villages and neighborhoods
surrounding El Menia, a city in Upper Egypt.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Overview
These three projects introduced the use of solar energy to
heat water, and raised awareness about climate change and the
effects of pollution produced by traditional methods of heating
water. SGP has funded at least eight projects in Egypt related to
solar water heaters.
One of approximately 160 solar water heaters installed in
urban and peri-urban areas (El Menia,Egypt).
Implementation
Overview
These three projects introduced the use of solar energy to
heat water, and raised awareness about climate change and the
effects of pollution produced by traditional methods of heating
water. SGP has funded at least eight projects in Egypt related to
solar water heaters.
One of approximately 160 solar water heaters installed in
urban and peri-urban areas (El Menia,Egypt).
Implementation
The projects installed solar water heaters in poor neighborhoods
of El Menia, and also carried out training and education
programs for community members regarding the installation
and maintenance of solar heaters and how the use of solar
water heaters is related to solving global and local environmental
problems. Community members contributed part of
the costs of the water heaters,which increased project ownership
and allowed more water heaters to be installed. In addition,
the projects partnered with private sector entities and
local governments to improve the quality of the technology
used and to sustain the effort.
Environmental Benefits
of El Menia, and also carried out training and education
programs for community members regarding the installation
and maintenance of solar heaters and how the use of solar
water heaters is related to solving global and local environmental
problems. Community members contributed part of
the costs of the water heaters,which increased project ownership
and allowed more water heaters to be installed. In addition,
the projects partnered with private sector entities and
local governments to improve the quality of the technology
used and to sustain the effort.
Environmental Benefits
Global: The use of solar energy to heat water for household use
reduces or eliminates the need to use agricultural waste or
other traditional fuels to heat the water, thereby reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.These three projects installed a total
of 164 water heaters.
Local: The reduced use of agricultural waste and/or wood for
heating water reduces the amount of smoke released into the
air, thereby improving the local air quality.
Livelihood Benefits
reduces or eliminates the need to use agricultural waste or
other traditional fuels to heat the water, thereby reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.These three projects installed a total
of 164 water heaters.
Local: The reduced use of agricultural waste and/or wood for
heating water reduces the amount of smoke released into the
air, thereby improving the local air quality.
Livelihood Benefits
Health: Improved access to hot water can help improve sanitation,
and therefore lead to health benefits. Reduced smoke
inhalation due to the reduced burning of agricultural waste to
heat water is another health benefit.
Cost savings: Although no specific cost savings information was
available for these projects, it is estimated that solar water
heaters of 150-liter capacity save a household 10-15 Egyptian
pounds every month.
Employment: The project implemented most recently involved
training three local young people to install, maintain and repair
solar water heaters.The training should help these young people
earn an income doing this work.
and therefore lead to health benefits. Reduced smoke
inhalation due to the reduced burning of agricultural waste to
heat water is another health benefit.
Cost savings: Although no specific cost savings information was
available for these projects, it is estimated that solar water
heaters of 150-liter capacity save a household 10-15 Egyptian
pounds every month.
Employment: The project implemented most recently involved
training three local young people to install, maintain and repair
solar water heaters.The training should help these young people
earn an income doing this work.
Capacity Development
Each project has incorporated training to improve the community’s
understanding of solar and other renewable energy
sources, and their capacity to maintain and use solar water
heaters.The first project, which installed a total of 33 water
heaters, held 10 seminars through which 250 people learned
about the water heaters and how they relate to local and global
environmental problems.The most recent of the three projects
held 8 such seminars.
Each project has incorporated training to improve the community’s
understanding of solar and other renewable energy
sources, and their capacity to maintain and use solar water
heaters.The first project, which installed a total of 33 water
heaters, held 10 seminars through which 250 people learned
about the water heaters and how they relate to local and global
environmental problems.The most recent of the three projects
held 8 such seminars.
Partners
One of the lessons learned through the first project was the
importance of working with the private sector and local governments
to ensure high quality technology and the sustainability
of the project.Through these projects,relationships have
been developed with the government’s Renewable Energy
Authority as well as companies manufacturing solar water
heaters.
One of the lessons learned through the first project was the
importance of working with the private sector and local governments
to ensure high quality technology and the sustainability
of the project.Through these projects,relationships have
been developed with the government’s Renewable Energy
Authority as well as companies manufacturing solar water
heaters.
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries are residents of poor areas in and around the city
of El Menia who are now using solar water heaters.In addition,
those who are now working as solar water heater technicians
have directly benefited from these projects.Approximately 160
water heaters have been installed, which can be assumed to
benefit at least that many households, and more if some of
these are publicly used.
Beneficiaries are residents of poor areas in and around the city
of El Menia who are now using solar water heaters.In addition,
those who are now working as solar water heater technicians
have directly benefited from these projects.Approximately 160
water heaters have been installed, which can be assumed to
benefit at least that many households, and more if some of
these are publicly used.
LESSONS LEARNED
Barrier Removal
Technical: Since the projects have trained local community
members to better understand,operate, install and repair solar
water heaters,technical barriers to their use in this region have
been reduced. However, it is unclear where these solar water
heaters are being constructed, and whether or not these projects
have helped reduce any barriers to their construction and
adaptation to local needs.
Barrier Removal
Technical: Since the projects have trained local community
members to better understand,operate, install and repair solar
water heaters,technical barriers to their use in this region have
been reduced. However, it is unclear where these solar water
heaters are being constructed, and whether or not these projects
have helped reduce any barriers to their construction and
adaptation to local needs.
Financial: One important lesson learned from the first project
implemented was the importance of requiring individual contributions
from households to help cover the cost of water
heaters.This also means that households are not paying the full
cost for the heaters, and implies that access to the water
heaters would still depend upon subsidies from non-governmental
organizations like those implementing these projects.
H owe ve r, there is evidence within SGP documents that
because of the relatively large number of solar water heater
projects funded by SGP, SGP has played a brokering role
between the projects and the solar water heater suppliers.SGP
seems to have sought bids from eight different suppliers, and
asked these suppliers to offer a discount off regular costs for
these projects.This would reduce financial barriers for those
directly benefiting from these projects, but it is unclear how this
contributes to lowering overall financial barriers to accessing
this technology.
implemented was the importance of requiring individual contributions
from households to help cover the cost of water
heaters.This also means that households are not paying the full
cost for the heaters, and implies that access to the water
heaters would still depend upon subsidies from non-governmental
organizations like those implementing these projects.
H owe ve r, there is evidence within SGP documents that
because of the relatively large number of solar water heater
projects funded by SGP, SGP has played a brokering role
between the projects and the solar water heater suppliers.SGP
seems to have sought bids from eight different suppliers, and
asked these suppliers to offer a discount off regular costs for
these projects.This would reduce financial barriers for those
directly benefiting from these projects, but it is unclear how this
contributes to lowering overall financial barriers to accessing
this technology.
I n fo r m a t i o n / a wa re n e s s : These projects have placed great
emphasis on raising awareness, educating hundreds of people
about the connection between renewable energy use and
global and local environmental problems. The importance of
public awareness in promoting renewable energy use is another
of the lessons learned from these projects.
Policy: According to SGP reports, these projects have encouraged
policy-makers to support environmental activities and to
welcome community involvement. However, no information is
available about specific policy steps taken.
emphasis on raising awareness, educating hundreds of people
about the connection between renewable energy use and
global and local environmental problems. The importance of
public awareness in promoting renewable energy use is another
of the lessons learned from these projects.
Policy: According to SGP reports, these projects have encouraged
policy-makers to support environmental activities and to
welcome community involvement. However, no information is
available about specific policy steps taken.
Scaling Up
In Egypt, SGP has been very active in sponsoring solar water
heater projects in many regions of the country. Recent direct
contact and negotiations with solar water heater suppliers may
be seen as a step toward consolidating the impact of these dispersed
small projects. Certainly, lessons learned in one SGPsponsored
project are being transferred to other SGP-funded
projects. Information is not currently available about how
access to solar water heaters is improving in areas where
NGOs are not involved. However, according to one source
more than 25,000 household solar water heaters have been
manufactured and installed in Egypt, particular ly in new cities.
In Egypt, SGP has been very active in sponsoring solar water
heater projects in many regions of the country. Recent direct
contact and negotiations with solar water heater suppliers may
be seen as a step toward consolidating the impact of these dispersed
small projects. Certainly, lessons learned in one SGPsponsored
project are being transferred to other SGP-funded
projects. Information is not currently available about how
access to solar water heaters is improving in areas where
NGOs are not involved. However, according to one source
more than 25,000 household solar water heaters have been
manufactured and installed in Egypt, particular ly in new cities.
SOURCES CONSULTED
Project Records EG-OP1-06,EG-OP1-05,and EG-OP2-11,SGP
Project Database, http://www.undp.org/sgp
SGP Egypt,Biennial Programme Review, February 2001.
SGP Egypt,Semi-Annual Progress Report,December 2000.
SGP Egypt,Solar Heaters Projects.Project summary, received July
2003.
SGP Egypt,“The Land of the Sun.” Script for video about solar water
heaters,2003.
Project Records EG-OP1-06,EG-OP1-05,and EG-OP2-11,SGP
Project Database, http://www.undp.org/sgp
SGP Egypt,Biennial Programme Review, February 2001.
SGP Egypt,Semi-Annual Progress Report,December 2000.
SGP Egypt,Solar Heaters Projects.Project summary, received July
2003.
SGP Egypt,“The Land of the Sun.” Script for video about solar water
heaters,2003.
