Achieving a sustainable energy transition in the East Med and Africa through collaborations

image is Houda Ben Jannet

In an exclusive interview with EGYPES News, Dr. Houda Ben Jannet, General Director, OMEC, discusses the organisation's pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration on energy transition across the East Med and Africa as well as OMEC's support for member countries in achieving net-zero goals and its collaboration with Egypt to ensure pragmatic, secure, and sustainable energy development and access.

  1. How is OMEC fostering regional collaboration on energy transition goals across the East Med and Africa?

For over 35 years, OMEC has been the voice of the energy industry in the Mediterranean, bringing together leading energy companies from the North, South, and East Mediterranean. It serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of best practices, and is a recognised think tank within the Euro-Mediterranean region. OMEC is dedicated to fostering regional collaboration for a just energy transition that benefits all shores of the Mediterranean.

As the only institution in the region offering a holistic approach to energy, OMEC provides in-depth multi-sectoral analyses, thematic studies, and regional and country-specific energy forecasts. It has pioneered high-level conferences and workshops on critical energy issues and has extensive experience coordinating research projects, particularly in renewable energy. OMEC collaborates with a broad network of experts from industry, academia, research centers, ministries, energy agencies, and international organisations, facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building to advance energy transition goals.

OMEC collaborates closely with the European Commission, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), and member governments to strengthen regional cooperation. It also serves as the Secretariat of the UfM Working Group on natural gas, emissions abatement, and hydrogen. It is an active member of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum’s (EMGF) Gas Industry Advisory Committee, contributing to discussions on natural gas and energy transition.

Additionally, OMEC participates in the European Commission’s T-Med initiative, assessing cross-border cooperation opportunities in renewable electricity and hydrogen by 2030 and identifying policy measures and market solutions to support cost-effective projects.

  1. What are OMEC’s priorities for enhancing sustainable energy access across underserved regions and how important is infrastructure investment?

OMEC prioritises sustainable energy access across underserved regions by promoting win-win strategies that benefit both the North and South Mediterranean shores. Recognising the critical role of infrastructure, OMEC advocates for modernised grids, cross-border interconnectors, and renewable installations, backed by significant investment. These efforts are complemented by robust policies, capacity-building, and tailored regional strategies to ensure long-term success.

To address challenges like regulatory gaps and limited capacity, OMEC works closely with governments and stakeholders to promote forward-looking policies. Through platforms such as the UfM and EMGF, OMEC fosters partnerships among governments, the private sector, and international organisations to drive innovative solutions. Its impact is further strengthened through public-private partnerships and collaboration with institutions such as the World Bank, EIB, and EBRD.

  1. How does OMEC support member countries in integrating renewables into their existing energy portfolios?

OMEC supports Mediterranean countries in placing renewables at the core of their energy strategies by providing expertise, actionable insights, and practical guidance. Our flagship publication, Mediterranean Energy Perspectives (MEP), outlines clear pathways to achieving net-zero by 2050, enabling governments to align environmental objectives with economic growth.

We strive to adapt power system to address the intermittency of solar and wind energy, advocating for the use of all available sources to enhance flexibility. Through our Green Energy Technology Committee, we conduct studies on energy storage, renewable integration, offshore wind potential, and sustainable mobility. Additionally, OMEC participates in EU projects on innovative technologies, materials research, and process improvements to shape future energy systems.

OMEC collaborates with key regional organisations such as Med-TSO and MedReg to enhance interconnections and advance regulatory frameworks. These partnerships aim to achieve cross-border harmonisation, regulatory stability, and securing financial support—for scaling up renewable deployment and fostering a sustainable energy future in the Mediterranean.

  1. How is OMEC engaging at EGYPES 2025, and what will be your focus at the Show?

EGYPES has emerged as a pivotal platform for global energy dialogue in Africa and the Mediterranean, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss global energy dynamics, foster partnerships, and explore solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Since its inception, OMEC has established itself as a central hub for public and private stakeholders dedicated to enhancing energy dialogue across the Mediterranean.

As a long-time participant in EGYPES, OMEC leverages this influential event to present key findings from Mediterranean Energy Perspectives, address the region's critical challenges, propose strategies to overcome them, and highlight emerging opportunities in the energy sector

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