EGYPES 2025 opens in Cairo, showcasing Egypt’s leadership in global energy

His Excellency President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt today inaugurated the eighth edition of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) 2025 in Cairo alongside His Excellency President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Themed "Building a secure and sustainable energy future," EGYPES 2025 serves as a critical platform for global energy dialogue, particularly in Africa and the Mediterranean. The event is expected to be the most influential edition to date, attracting top industry leaders, stakeholders, and high-level officials.

During the event, H.E. President El-Sisi engaged in discussions with Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, highlighting Egypt's commitment to their ongoing partnership and encouraging Eni to broaden its exploration and production activities within the country. Descalzi reaffirmed Eni's dedication to fortifying its strategic alliance with Egypt, acknowledging the nation's pivotal position as a regional energy and gas hub.

His Excellency Eng. Karim Badawi, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted the extensive opportunities within Egypt's energy sector, encompassing oil and gas exploration, conventional energy production, and the advancement of renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen. He emphasised the government's dedication to eliminating barriers for investors and partners, both local and international, to cultivate a conducive environment for mutually advantageous ventures.

Strengthening partnerships

During the Official Presidential Opening Ceremony at EGYPES 2025, several landmark agreements were signed, reinforcing regional cooperation and commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and natural gas development.

A key milestone was the signing of the Executive Plan for Cooperation in Energy Efficiency between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, witnessed by H.E. Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and H.E. Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus. Signed by H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; H.E. Dr Mahmoud Mustafa Esmat, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy; and H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, this agreement focuses on enhancing energy efficiency, adopting new technologies, and fostering sustainable development.

H.R.H Prince Abdulaziz also announced a series of collaborative energy initiatives between the Kingdom and Egypt, highlighting the strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to sustainable development. He unveiled five solar and wind energy projects in Egypt, developed by Saudi companies including ACWA Power, Alfanar, FAS, and MOWAH. These projects boast a combined capacity of 1.696 gigawatts (GW) and represent an investment of approximately SAR6.2 billion (US$1.65 billion).

In a significant development, ACWA Power has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for a 2 GW wind energy project in South Hurghada. This project, with an investment of around SAR8.6 billion, is set to become the largest of its kind in Egypt.

The minister also highlighted the Saudi-Egypt Electricity Interconnection Project, emphasising its role in deepening energy cooperation between the two nations. With an investment of SAR6.7 billion, this project aims to enable the exchange of up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity upon the completion of its two phases, marking it as the largest project of its kind in the region.

Further solidifying their partnership, an executive plan has been signed to bolster energy efficiency cooperation between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy and Egypt's Ministries of Petroleum & Mineral Resources and Electricity & Renewable Energy. This plan focuses on establishing a national program dedicated to energy efficiency, with Saudi Arabia providing expertise and technical support. The collaboration encompasses the exchange of knowledge in drafting regulations and technical standards, capacity building, raising awareness, and developing the energy service companies sector. H.R.H Prince Abdulaziz underscored the profound and robust ties between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, expressing deep appreciation for Egypt's leadership and its people. He emphasised the shared responsibility of both nations to collaborate and lead efforts in addressing transformations within the energy sector. These initiatives reflect a mutual commitment to sustainable energy solutions and signify a new chapter in Saudi-Egyptian relations, aiming to foster regional energy security and economic growth.

Reinforcing energy cooperation

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Aphrodite Project was signed, strengthening Egypt and Cyprus’s strategic partnership in natural gas development and energy security. Signed by H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, H.E. George Papanastasiou, Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, and Clay Neff, President of Chevron International Exploration and Production, this MoU supports regional infrastructure expansion and investment in the Aphrodite gas field.

Furthermore, a landmark Host Government Agreement was signed for the development of the Cronos Project, reinforcing energy cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus. Signed by H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, H.E. George Papanastasiou, and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, this agreement advances gas development and energy security in the East Mediterranean. These agreements highlight the shared vision of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus in fostering innovation, strengthening regional collaboration, and ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy future.

EGYPES 2025 is set to attract over 47,000 attendees, offering a platform for more than 300 expert speakers to share their insights. Additionally, 2,500 delegates will have the opportunity for extensive networking. The international exhibition will showcase the latest innovations in energy from over 500 companies, including 11 national pavilions representing more than 120 countries. The six conferences at EGYPES 2025 will explore the future of energy, focusing on responsible oil and gas production and the ongoing transformation of energy systems.

This year's edition of EGYPES underscores Egypt's pivotal role in shaping the future of energy in the region and beyond, fostering collaboration and innovation in the global energy sector.