A recent study from Karadeniz Technical University [40.9°N, 39.5°E] has explored Egypt’s potential to become a global leader in hydrogen production. The research found that, thanks to abundant solar and wind resources, Egypt could produce low-cost hydrogen for both domestic use and export, with production costs as low as €3.68/kg (£3.15/kg) for solar-based hydrogen.
What can highly developed nations learn from Egypt’s strategy? While these regions have historically led the way in energy innovation, Egypt’s approach highlights practical, cost-effective strategies that could be applied worldwide to improve energy security and sustainability.
Egypt’s Advantage: Sun, Wind, and Strategic Location
Egypt has several natural and economic advantages when it comes to hydrogen production:
- Strong solar and wind energy: The country has high solar irradiance and steady wind speeds, making renewable hydrogen production viable and cost-effective.
- Low production costs: Hydrogen production in Egypt is projected to be among the cheapest in the world, due to abundant renewables and relatively low infrastructure costs.
- Strategic export position: Situated at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Egypt has easy access to hydrogen markets in Europe and beyond.
By 2050, Egypt’s hydrogen demand is expected to reach 6.0 million tons, with significant export potential to France, Italy, and beyond.
What Can Northern Nations Learn?
Egypt’s hydrogen success offers valuable insights for countries with different climates and economic conditions.
- Off-grid hydrogen production: Egypt’s approach focuses on off-grid electrolysis, meaning hydrogen is produced directly from renewable energy, without relying on national grids. This model could be adapted in Canada’s remote areas and Northern Europe’s offshore wind farms.
- Investment in cost-cutting technology: Egypt is integrating cost-reduction strategies, such as optimising electrolyser sizes and using efficient transport methods. In Canada and Northern Europe, similar techniques could reduce the high costs of hydrogen production and distribution.
- Leveraging local energy strengths: While Egypt thrives on solar and wind, Northern regions could focus on wind and hydro-powered hydrogen, using Egypt’s economic model to evaluate the most competitive production methods.
A Global Hydrogen Future
While Egypt’s conditions may be unique, its approach to cost-efficient hydrogen production provides a roadmap for any country looking to scale up green hydrogen. If Northern nations embrace lessons from emerging hydrogen economies, they could accelerate their transition to energy independence and net-zero emissions — without waiting for expensive, long-term infrastructure projects.
The world’s clean energy future won’t be led by any single country. Instead, it will be built by learning from each other’s strengths and adapting the best ideas to local conditions.
Source
Economic and Technical Analysis of Hydrogen Production and Transport: A Case Study of Egypt, Scientific Reports, 2025-03-14
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