Roundtable Explores Pathways for a Just Energy Transition in Egypt

The roundtable brought together policymakers, practitioners, environmental activists, legal experts and academics to examine the opportunities and challenges of advancing a more equitable and sustainable energy future. Discussions focused on how decentralized renewable energy systems can contribute to social justice, gender equity, community participation and local economic development.

Amr Adly, associate professor of political science at AUC and representative of the Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa program, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating:

"This event is the result of carefully planned cooperation between the Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism Project at AUC and Greenpeace MENA, bringing together experts, investors, activists, academics and policymakers. It created a shared space to rethink energy transition pathways in a way that places social and gender considerations at the core of a just transition. The discussion was a serious step toward advocacy and network-building, and we at Pathways hope it marks the beginning of many future steps.”

Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa, added:

"A just transition is not merely an environmental demand; it is an integrated development pathway that connects climate action with economic opportunities, social stability and national priorities. It raises a fundamental question about the role energy systems can play in job creation, local value retention and inclusive growth, while achieving climate goals. Decentralized renewable energy is a critical pillar of this transition—whether through rooftop solar, productive uses in agriculture and small enterprises, or community and cooperative models. It transforms energy into a powerful tool for equitable development. This vision invests in a renewable future where solar power lights marginalized villages, powers schools and hospitals, supports sustainable water solutions and strengthens local livelihoods. This is not a distant dream, but a strategic choice and a moral responsibility.”

The roundtable also featured a conceptual framing session by Greenpeace MENA, which introduced key ideas related to just transition, energy sovereignty and the enabling role of decentralized renewable energy. These discussions were grounded in recent research, including studies on feminist economic transitions and the shift from energy security to energy sovereignty. The Social and Solidarity Economy Network MENA further highlighted the links between decentralized renewable energy, food sovereignty and local livelihoods at the community level.

Legal and regulatory dimensions of decentralized renewable energy in Egypt were addressed through a presentation by Ahmed El-Saeedy, director of the Egyptian Environmental Rights Foundation. His overview covered existing policies on net metering, grid connection, licensing and anticipated regulatory reforms. This was followed by an interactive discussion moderated by Mohamed Hakim and Mohamed Gamal Aly, allowing for in-depth exchange across sectors and perspectives.

Discussions were structured around three main themes: practical experiences with decentralized renewable energy; regulatory, legal and institutional challenges and opportunities; and enabling factors for scaling up decentralized systems, including supportive policy environments and stronger collaboration between government and civil society.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, Head of the National Planning Institute and Board Member of the Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency; Counselor Ahmed Galal, Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Counselor Khaled Hashem from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; MP Dr. Amira Saber, Member of the Senate; and MP Maha Abdel Nasser, Member of the House of Representatives and Vice President of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, adding depth and expertise to the discussions.

The roundtable concluded with a synthesis of key insights and the identification of next steps, including the development of policy recommendations, pilot initiatives and follow-up workshops. The event closed with remarks from Ingy Mostafa Higazy, research manager of the Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism Project, reaffirming the commitment to continued collaboration and advocacy for decentralized renewable energy in Egypt.

Further perspectives from the roundtable are available through a series of interviews with participating policymakers and experts:

Interview 1: The Importance of Decentralized Renewable Energy in Egypt and Pathways for Implementation
Dr. Ashraf El-Araby

Interview 2: The Importance of Legal and Legislative Protection of Egypt’s Natural and Environmental Resources
Counselor Ahmed Galal

Interview 3: Climate Change and the Benefits of Decentralized Energy for Local Communities
Counselor Khaled Hashem