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Press Release: Strategic Partnership Launched to Develop Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Hub in Egypt

01 April 2026 - Cairo, Egypt 
 
Under the Patronage of H.E Eng. Karim Badawi – Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources:  
 
Abu Qir Fertilizers & Chemicals Company, Alexandria Fertilizers Company (Alexfert), Orascom Construction SAE, and UEG Green Hydrogen Development Holding Limited (UEG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly explore the development of a Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Alexandria, Egypt. 
 
The collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing Egypt’s position as a regional leader in green hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions. The proposed project aims to develop a large-scale green hydrogen production facility powered by renewable energy, with integration into existing ammonia production infrastructure. 
 
Under the MOU: 
 
• UEG and Orascom Construction will lead feasibility studies related to 500 MW renewable energy generation (wind and Solar) and green hydrogen production (480 T/D RFNBO Ammonia). 
 
• Abu Qir and Alexfert will evaluate the integration of green hydrogen into ammonia production processes and support access to local resources and infrastructure. 
 
The initiative aligns with global efforts to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries and supports Egypt’s ambitions to become a hub for green fuels, including renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) ammonia.
 

The Green Hydrogen Organisation and The Cairo Centre

The Green Hydrogen Organisation (GH2) supports green hydrogen projects and initiatives worldwide. The Cairo Centre, established in partnership with Nile University, acts as a regional hub for policy, investment, and capacity building across Africa and the Mediterranean.

In collaboration with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Centre is advancing efforts to de-risk green hydrogen investment in Egypt and Morocco. Building on a joint programme examining barriers to projects reaching final investment decision, GH2 and RVO, together with H2Global, are convening a high-level finance coordination dialogue in Cairo on 14 April.

The dialogue will bring together developers, development finance institutions, and governments to align on a coordinated set of actions to unlock bankable projects.
 

Leadership Commentary 
 

H.E. Eng. Hany Dahy, Chairman of Abu Qir Fertilizers & Chemicals Company, stated: 

"This partnership reflects Abu Qir’s commitment to leading the transition toward low-carbon ammonia production, leveraging our existing assets while integrating green hydrogen solutions." 

 
Mr. Gu Xiaodong, General Manager of UEG Hydrogen Limited, commented: 

"We are advancing feasibility and development activities with our partners to establish a scalable green hydrogen platform in Egypt, supporting both local industry and export markets."
 

Eng. Kamel Elsawy, President of UEG Africa, added: 

"Egypt offers a strategic gateway for green energy investments, and we are actively working to accelerate project studies and partnerships to bring this vision into reality."  


Eng. Ihab Mehawed, Managing Director of Orascom Construction, said: 

"We are progressing technical evaluations to integrate renewable energy solutions that will enable reliable and competitive green hydrogen production at scale." 


Mr. Alaa Elbanna, Chairman of Alexandria Fertilizers Company (Alexfert), noted: 

"We are exploring practical pathways to incorporate green hydrogen into ammonia production, enhancing sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency." 

Mr. Joe Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Green Hydrogen Organisation, said: 

“The announcement of this project comes at a crucial time, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East highlight the importance of diversifying energy and fuel supply chains. Developing integrated green ammonia and fertiliser production in Alexandria supports local industrial value, and strengthens long-term energy and food security. As green ammonia production scales in Egypt, it can also be used as a clean shipping fuel given Egypt’s strategic maritime location.”  


The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation while the parties conduct technical, commercial, and regulatory assessments. Subject to the outcomes, the partners intend to negotiate definitive agreements for the project’s development. 
This collaboration reflects growing international confidence in Egypt’s renewable energy potential and highlights the role of strategic partnerships in accelerating the energy transition across the Mediterranean region. 
 

Signing ceremony was signed by the following: 

  • H.E Eng. Hany Dahy ABU QIR Fertilizers and Chemicals Industries Company Chairman 

  • Mr. Song - UEG Chairman 

  • Eng. Kamel Al-Sawi, MiM  - Africa Regional President - UEG 

  • Mr. Xiaodong GU - UEG VP   

  • Mr. Alaa elbanna - Chairman AlexFert  

  • Eng. Ihab Meheweed - MD Orascom Construction PLC 
     

Background

Abu Qir Fertilizers established North Abu Qir for Agricultural Nutrients in May 2023, a major Egyptian fertiliser project designed to produce 2,400 tonnes per day of ammonium nitrate. 

Located adjacent to Abu Qir Fertilizers in Alexandria, on a site formerly occupied by the Rakta paper manufacturing facility, the project is a joint venture with a capital investment of EGP 10 billion between Abu Qir Fertilizers (45%), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) (45%), and the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM) (10%). 

The project focuses on high-efficiency ammonia and nitric acid production. 

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