Egypt has been awarded two of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) 2020 Sustainable Development Awards, including a silver award in the sustainable energy category. The latter was awarded to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC).
Egypt is one of 11 countries that won the 2020 Sustainable Development Award, organised by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The country won two awards, including a silver award in the sustainable energy category for its commitment to innovation, and for its pioneering measures to promote equal opportunities and “green skills” for women in the country’s renewable energy sector. The award was presented by the EBRD’s Environment and Sustainability Department to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC). The Egyptian Minister for International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, announced the good news to Egyptians on June 7, 2020.
“The EBRD’s annual Sustainable Development Awards celebrate the achievements of our clients who demonstrate excellence and commitment in managing environmental and social issues, promoting energy efficiency, combating climate change and promoting inclusion. We have been doing this for more than 10 years,” the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said.
The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) is the sole purchaser of electricity produced in Egypt. In 2019, the EBRD granted it a sovereign loan of up to €185 million (about £3.4 billion) to improve Egypt’s electricity transmission network and develop a robust power grid throughout the country. The EBRD funds will help EETC to facilitate the integration of 1.3 GW of new green energy into the Egyptian power system by connecting new renewable energy plants, with the help of nine new or refurbished high-voltage substations, in the governorates of Minya, South Sinai, Sharqia, Port Said and Asyut.
The EBRD’s investment will help to reduce electricity losses in the country. This will save 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The EETC also promotes economic opportunities for women in the renewable energy sector through ambitious technical co-operation activities.
The Sustainable Development Awards recognise achievements in five specific categories, including sustainable energy, climate resilience, environmental and social best practice, environmental and social innovation, and gender and economic inclusion.
The selection criteria
Nominations are received by EBRD teams and are judged by an independent panel according to various criteria. These include standards and best practice, innovation, demonstration effect and capacity building.
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Inès Magoum
