bp, Masdar, and allies look to develop hydrogen capabilities in Egypt

bp has entered a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to join the existing consortium of Masdar, Hassan Allam Utilities, and Infinity Power to explore developing a multi-phase green hydrogen (gH2) project in Egypt.

As per the JDA, bp will serve as the main developer and operator of the project on behalf of the consortium. The partners will merge their respective gH2 projects in Egypt and consider the potential for a large-scale, multi-phase project focused on producing gH2 and its derivatives, primarily for export.

The newly established consortium has signed a Framework Agreement (FWA) with the Egyptian government to begin a series of studies and activities to assess the project's technical and commercial feasibility. 

Stakeholders weigh in

"We are pleased that the signing coincides with our celebration of 60 years in Egypt, which clearly reflects our ongoing commitment to the country. Over the decades, we have been a key supplier of energy in Egypt, consistently working to meet its increasing energy demands while supporting its endeavours for a more sustainable energy future. The diverse experiences of partners in energy projects present a great opportunity for regional cooperation and accessing global markets, fundamentally supporting Egypt's energy transition plans." said Nader Zaki, bp's regional president for the Middle East and North Africa.

Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Masdar’s chief green hydrogen officer, said, “We welcome the addition of bp to the consortium, building on the well-established existing relationship between our companies and supporting Masdar’s ambition to drive the development of green hydrogen around the world. We already have plans to develop green hydrogen projects in Egypt and this agreement reinforces Masdar and the UAE’s commitment to Egypt to realise its massive clean energy and green hydrogen potential, alongside our Africa renewable energy champion IPH.”

Amr Allam, co-CEO Hassan Allam Holding, said, "Joining forces with bp, Masdar, and Infinity Power in this consortium is a significant step towards advancing the development of green hydrogen and anchoring Egypt as a key player in this sector. Our combined local and global expertise will create economic opportunities and contribute to a cleaner and greener future for Egypt and help to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors globally relying on fossil fuels.”

Felipe Arbelaez, bp’s SVP Hydrogen and CCS said, “Hydrogen has a role to play in the future of global energy. We look forward to working with our partners to try to unlock hydrogen’s potential in Egypt’s energy story.”

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, chairman of Infinity Power said, “Bringing another partner on board highlights the ambition of our consortium and our commitment to collaborating and innovating to bring about new green investment in Africa. Our track record delivering large scale projects in Egypt and across the continent will give us essential experience to help deliver on this exciting and innovative project.”

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power said, “We know Africa has abundant renewable resources, and this hydrogen export hub will take advantage of these resources and bring environmental and economic benefits to Egypt and other nations. Hydrogen power is an incredibly exciting technology, and this export hub can help to power green industry in Africa and beyond and strengthen Egypt’s role as a leader in green power.”