THE NEXT SOCIETY #NOWANDLIVE
INTERVIEW WITH MS. GHADA DARWISH on Energy Transition in Egypt
In line with the objective to share relevant experiences and promote best practices in the EU-Med innovative sectors, FEMISE conducted a series of interviews with key players from the region, including policy makers, private sector, civil society, academia and entrepreneurs, in the context of the NEXT SOCIETY project with the support of ANIMA and the financial support of the European Union. The main objective of this series of interviews is to bring forward the experience of key players in the region on how to promote innovation within key sectors and to highlight issues related to the challenges these sectors are facing, the types of policy support that are needed and some of the national initiatives that have been taking place.
This series will tackle the health tech, energy, green tech, education and e-commerce sectors and will bring you experts from across the region including: Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon.
This interview in “THE NEXT SOCIETY: NOW AND LIVE!” series is with Ms. Ghada Darwish Country Director at Globeleq and former Secretary General of Benban Solar Energy Developers Association in Egypt, where she shares her knowledge and experiences of best practices in the Energy sector at the National and Policy levels.
Context
As the driving force of economic and industrial growth, the energy sector plays a key role to foster prosperity and social development. However, the persistent increase in energy demand due to economic progress, urbanization and population growth in the South med region meaningfully impacts the primary energy consumption from fossil fuels, which is already suffering from shortage. This requires an urgent transition to renewable energy sources to face these challenges.
In Egypt, in response to severe energy shortage, a number of national initiatives and new investments have been taking place to meet this increasing demand for energy while mitigating the impact on climate. At the same time, this has created a window of opportunity for young entrepreneurs to enter the energy market with innovative solutions for their start-ups.
In this interview, Ms. Ghada Darwish is answering our questions about the conditions for a successful transition towards more renewable energy resources in Egypt:
- How is “Globeleq” intending to support Egypt’s ambitious sustainable energy strategy?
- What major challenges did this power company face in implementing the Benban Solar Park project and what are the social and socio-economic impacts generated (particularly on the women and youth)?
- How do you see the potential impact of this private/international and public cooperation on innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt?
To watch the whole #NOWANDLIVE interview, click here
About Ms. GHADA DARWISH
Holder of a BSC in Mechanical Engineering from the American University in Cairo, Egypt, Ghada Darwish is an entrepreneur and senior advisor with more than 20 years of experience in development of public and private energy and industrial projects working with international investors and EPC contractors (energy/ renewable energy and chemicals). In addition, she has more than 10 years of experience as a government relations and communications expert serving investors and international donor funded projects (EU, USAID and UN Agencies), and specializing in energy, environment, water treatment and different industrial sectors. Former Secretary General of Benban Solar Energy Developers Association in Egypt, she is currently Globeleq Country Director (UK Government owned energy investment co) and is also the CEO of DEM Consulting Co. (Egyptian consulting/ advisory co. specializing in renewable energy, energy and infrastructure projects active in Egypt and African countries).
THE NEXT SOCIETY #NOWANDLIVE are organised by FEMISE and ANIMA with the financial support of the European Union.
For more details about this series of THE NEXT SOCIETY #NOWANDLIVE click here