Energy, Matar (Arab League): “Transition has lost speed, let’s focus on green hydrogen”

Cairo – “The energy transition is moving forward, fortunately, but not at the same speed or pace as before. The political aspects are reflected in everything. In the Middle East, we do not have one problem but many. Political unrest is everywhere, and people have priorities from their energy perspective. As far as the Arab League I represent is concerned, energy transition is one of the priorities, and we are doing many things together with our partners. We recently developed a document regarding a pan-Arab green hydrogen strategy, focused mainly on how green energy can contribute to the energy transition in the area.” Jamila Matar, director of the Arab League’s Energy Department, said this on the sidelines of CSEW, the Cairo Sustainable Energy Week being held in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

“I believe that all sources of energy can be earmarked for a better future, including oil, rather than being used as a crisis tool. We believe that energy should be used for the benefit of all the people in the region and our future generations,” Matar explains. “Most Arab countries, many Arab countries, not most, are oil producers, so it contributes to their economy, has its benefits, and in many ways, cannot be replaced by any other type of energy. For example, you cannot substitute oil for petrochemicals and aviation fuels. So, we still have oil in the area, but we are also doing a lot in renewable and sustainable energy in general. Our goal is for all energy resources to work together, contributing to a better future.” “We had many projects, especially on the Mediterranean side. We had very productive cooperation with EU-funded projects and made a lot of progress with these projects. Unfortunately, today, we don’t see many of them. Still, on the other hand, we have, for example, a memorandum of understanding to be signed with MED-TSO (the association of Mediterranean electricity grid operators, ed.), and we are working to develop it…” As for Italy, regarding the Mattei Plan, “I think I got something in my e-mail as well… We are ready. Whoever extends his hand to us, we gladly accept it. And we are here, we are reachable,” Matar concludes.