As part of the Egyptian State’s direction toward promoting the transition to clean energy and consolidating sustainability concepts in national projects, H.E. Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, today inaugurated a solar power station at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The inauguration was attended by Ms. Chitose Noguchi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority; H.E. Ambassador Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Cairo; Eng. Sherif Abdel Rahim, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency; Eng. Ehab Ismail, Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority; Mr. Hazem Fahmy, Executive Director of the Industrial Modernization Center; Ambassador Wael El-Naggar, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; in addition to a number of partners concerned with environment and development, and private sector participants involved in implementing the project.

This project also comes within the context of the Egyptian State’s efforts to enhance reliance on renewable energy sources. The Grand Egyptian Museum is considered an integrated model that combines the preservation of human heritage with the adoption of the latest environmentally sustainable practices.

The project includes the installation of solar cells along the museum’s side perimeter wall, in addition to the application of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology in the Solar Boats Building, with a production capacity of 200 kilowatts. This is implemented with the support of the Government of Japan and the UNDP, contributing to covering approximately 12% of the museum’s total electricity consumption. Work is also underway to implement an additional solar power station, bringing the total production capacity to approximately 1 megawatt, in a step that enhances operational efficiency and supports the transition toward clean energy.

In his speech on this occasion, H.E. Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, affirmed that the Grand Egyptian Museum is a pioneering model of modern cultural institutions whose mission is not limited to displaying human heritage, but extends to adopting environmental sustainability practices, reflecting the Egyptian State’s vision toward a more sustainable future.

He added that the transition to clean energy within the tourism sector is no longer an option, but has become a necessity to enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian tourism destination and keep pace with global trends toward sustainable tourism, noting that there are 6 museums that have implemented solar energy systems, in addition to 50% of hotels and diving centers that integrate environmental considerations with environmental protection requirements alongside the nature of their operations.

The Minister pointed to the Ministry’s keenness to implement the solar power station at the museum in an aesthetically appropriate manner, noting that some of the solar cells used in certain areas take on a marble-like form in harmony with the overall design of the museum, indicating that this is the first time such a solar power station has been implemented in this manner in Egypt.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Minister extended thanks and appreciation to the ministries participating in the implementation of this project, the Government of Japan, UNDP, and all those who contributed from the museum’s work team and the relevant entities and bodies, praising the fruitful cooperation with development partners to apply the best global environmental practices in Egypt.

For his part, the Ambassador of Japan to Cairo affirmed that the installation of the solar energy system, which represents the renewable energy sector—one of the fundamental pillars of economic cooperation between Japan and Egypt—at the Grand Egyptian Museum carries significant importance.

He explained that the museum, which embodies the depth of friendly relations between the two countries, reflects through this project a new model of Egyptian-Japanese cooperation toward achieving sustainable development.

In the same context, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim affirmed that this project comes within a broader vision aimed at transforming the museum into a “green museum,” where sustainability concepts extend from the design and construction phase to operation and daily management, through adopting sustainable practices that ensure the continuity of the positive impact of this great edifice.

He pointed out that the museum is working on preparing an annual carbon footprint report, through which emissions resulting from various activities are measured and monitored, ensuring continuous improvement in environmental performance and strengthening commitment to international sustainability standards.

This project reflects the commitment of the Grand Egyptian Museum to its role as a global cultural institution that not only displays history but also contributes to shaping a more sustainable future through integrating environmental innovation into its operational system and presenting a model to be emulated by cultural institutions at both regional and international levels.

He added that the importance of the project goes beyond the museum itself, serving as a clear message that cultural institutions can play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable development goals. Museums are no longer merely places to display heritage, but have become platforms for education, awareness, innovation, and centers for promoting the values the world needs today, foremost among them sustainability.

Ms. Chitose Noguchi also explained that this solar station represents a practical model for integrating heritage with innovation to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of clean energy and climate action, noting that the expansion of the station’s capacity by the museum reflects its commitment to enhancing sustainability and expanding the use of renewable energy sources.

Meanwhile, Eng. Sherif Abdel Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, conveyed in his speech the greetings of H.E. Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, affirming that this event embodies the Egyptian State’s direction toward a future based on sustainability and innovation. He noted that the museum represents not only a cultural edifice reflecting the greatness of Egyptian history, but also an integrated model combining heritage preservation with environmental protection, reflecting an ambitious vision based on the integration of development and the environmental dimension.

He added that the project is not limited to being a renewable energy station, but represents a pioneering model for the convergence of culture, environment, and development in one path, affirming that the Grand Egyptian Museum has become a platform for applying the best environmental practices, qualifying it to become the first environmentally friendly “green” museum in Africa and the Middle East.

He pointed out that the project aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, which places the environmental dimension at the heart of the development process and promotes the transition toward a green economy and the ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. It also reinforces Egypt’s commitment to its international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its continuous efforts to enhance climate action at both national and regional levels.

He added that the Ministry of Local Development and Environment, in cooperation with various national and international entities, continues to support the expansion of renewable energy uses and encourage environmental innovation, while working to integrate the environmental dimension into various development plans, contributing to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development that benefits current and future generations, in addition to enhancing environmental awareness among different segments of society, based on the belief that achieving sustainability is a shared responsibility among the government, private sector, civil society, and academic institutions.

In remarks delivered by Eng. Ehab Ismail, Chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity, he expressed thanks to all local and international partners who contributed to the completion of this project, noting that the inauguration of the solar power station at the Grand Egyptian Museum represents a new step toward enhancing its sustainability and strengthening the system of green museums.

Eng. Hazem Fahmy, Executive Director of the Industrial Modernization Center, stated that this project reflects the Egyptian State’s commitment to transitioning to clean energy and enhancing environmental sustainability, noting that implementing this project at the Grand Egyptian Museum links authenticity with modernity. He also reviewed the initiatives and projects adopted by the Ministry in this regard, expressing thanks to all international and local partners in these initiatives.

He added that the station generates approximately 168,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually and contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 79 tons per year, reflecting direct environmental and economic returns. He emphasized that these results reflect Egypt’s commitment to moving toward more efficient and sustainable pathways within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030 and the international climate agenda.

He further noted that the integration between the Industrial Modernization Center and the United Nations Development Programme through the “Egypt PV” project has created a replicable model for expanding the use of solar energy across various sectors, in addition to establishing a permanent solar energy unit and its applications, in cooperation with UNDP, to serve as a sustainable platform for knowledge transfer, expanding usage, and supporting the transition toward clean energy in different sectors.

Following the announcement of the project’s inauguration, the Minister and the attendees toured the solar power station at the museum.