Solar energy in Egypt: Significant business opportunities

Until now, there are some specific constraints that hinder development of solar energy in Egypt. However, Egypt has an adequate sunshine, an extended territory free of inhabitants and the “political will” of its government to reach a share of 20% from RES in the national energy balance by 2020. As a result, the business opportunities for solar energy development in Egypt are really significant. The scope of the paper is to provide insight to the possible investment opportunities of solar energy in Egyptian market, based on a current and wide analysis. Indeed, Egypt is an interesting example to show the practical possibilities of the development of Solar Energy in Southern Mediterranean countries. Based on the excellent collaboration between the European Commission and the Egyptian authorities, the current sector is of high interest for developing European entrepreneurship in Egypt. An appropriate approach was developed for the overview as well as analysis of the business opportunities in Egyptian solar energy market, under the umbrella of a Hellenic Aid programme (2009–2010).

► The business opportunities for solar energy development in Egypt are really significant.
► Egypt is an interesting example to show the practical possibilities of the development of Solar Energy in Southern Mediterranean countries.
► Some barriers (economical, political, social and technical) have still to be removed.