Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

18 years of experience and international exposure in Energy, Power, and Renewable Energy sectors within MENA and Europe for Renewable Energy and sustainability.

I have led and participated in developing 8.2 GW of Renewable Projects with various technologies (PV, Wind, Storage, biofuel) in different phases, schemes for green hydrogen projects, and their derivatives (Ammonia). Currently, I am Senior Manager at EDF Energy. I was head of Renewables at TotalEnergies MENA and Senior Business Development Manager at Enel Green Power Renewables for 7 years. I have also worked for TAQA Arabia and Halliburton for 8 years.

I obtained a master’s degree in economics of energy at Bocconi University in Italy and a project management diploma from an American university. I am also a mechanical engineer.

I am a member of the Energy Transition and Decarbonization Committee, an NGO in Egypt formed by industry experts. I have also prepared the multi-energy strategy and outlook 2035 for my affiliate, TotalEnergies. The strategy is related to the decarbonization trend and includes low-carbon molecules (Gas), Renewable Energy, biofuel, CCS and CCUS, EV charging, and electricity.

I was also responsible for scouting renewable energy projects (Wind, Solar, Energy Storage, green hydrogen/Ammonia potential off-takers) within markets of MENA and Europe, adding new projects through greenfield, co-development development, large BOO (Build, Own, Operate), merger and acquisition, clients for corporate PPA (B2B).

Q2. Which countries in the MENA region are expected to lead in renewable energy capacity additions through 2027, and why?

Several countries are in the race, such as Saudi Arabia, which has a solid renewable energy programme and a target of generating electricity from renewables as 50% of the total electricity generation by 2030. They have realized many renewable projects, such as Sakaka Photovoltaic 300 MW and Dumat Aljandal Wind 400 MW.

Also, the UAE plans to invest up to 54 B USD in renewables by 2030 and was the first in the Middle East to commit to a net zero target by 2050.

Q3. What share of the PPA market is being driven by solar, wind, hybrid (solar+storage), and emerging sources like green hydrogen?

Renewable energy projects and PPAs Renewables reached 11.2%, including the upstream side of green hydrogen production in the entire Middle East region, and are expected to grow with ambitious targets of countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia to reach 40% by 2030.

Q4. What are the CAPEX and levelized cost trends (LCOH) of green hydrogen production in MENA versus global benchmarks (EU, Australia)?

The LCOH in the Middle East is an average of 1.5-2.5 USD/kg, while in the EU, it is in the range of 3-5 USD/kg, and in Australia, it is 2-3 USD/kg.

Q5. How are Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE differentiating their hydrogen strategies—via technology, financing models, or offtake partnerships?

Egypt is focusing on strategic partnerships as it signed MoUs with 83 B USD with almost 9 consortiums in 2022, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in large-scale green Hydrogen projects such as NEOM green hydrogen, while UAE's strategy to focus on the export of hydrogen production by forming international partnerships.

Q6. What are the geopolitical and operational risks and opportunities associated with investing in large-scale hydrogen exports from MENA?

• Geopolitical risks, such as regulatory uncertainty
• Operational risks such as building of necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production may be delayed or take more time
• Permitting and approvals process that may take a longer time
• Land availability in some countries

Need for more solid incentives

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

To show the plan based on the market studies that shall contain market positioning, competitiveness, partnerships strategies, regulatory framework, and market outlook.