Egypt, China’s NORINCO Discuss Nuclear Materials, Renewable Energy Cooperation in Beijing

Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, met with Cheng Dafang, Chairman of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) in Beijing, during the minister’s visit to the Chinese capital. NORINCO operates across strategic and defense industries, petroleum, metals, international engineering, specialized civilian products, and investment in emerging strategic sectors.

The meeting aligns with directives from Egypt’s political leadership to take necessary measures and continue efforts to maximize returns from earth resources, ensure their effective management and utilization, and extract rare strategic elements. It also falls within the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s action plan, alongside its affiliated bodies – the Nuclear Materials Authority and the Atomic Energy Authority – to localize industry and transfer modern technology in the exploration and extraction of earth resources and their associated rare and strategic materials.

A view of the meeting

Discussions covered joint cooperation in the exploration, mining, and manufacturing of nuclear materials, alongside the exchange of technical and technological expertise and human capacity building to support the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The meeting, attended by Dr. Ahmed Farghal, Executive Head of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority, and Dr. Hany Gamal, Professor of Metallurgy at the Nuclear Materials Authority, also explored avenues for collaboration within Egypt’s drive to strengthen strategic partnerships with major international companies.

Key topics included the transfer and localization of modern technology, cooperation in extracting rare strategic elements and materials, and opportunities within the Nuclear Materials Authority’s purview, encompassing exploration, extraction, separation, and manufacturing studies.

A view of the meeting

The talks emphasized the importance of cooperation and identifying relevant parties to study suitable frameworks for both sides, stressing the need for swift action given the availability of necessary studies. Discussions also extended to renewable energy sectors, specifically solar and wind power projects, energy storage systems, and expanding clean energy solutions. This aims to contribute to Egypt’s energy transition strategy, increase the share of renewables in its energy mix, and reduce carbon emissions.

Both sides affirmed that the meeting underscores the extended and distinguished relations and partnership between Egypt and China, as well as joint efforts to enhance bilateral ties and support cooperation in various energy sectors to serve sustainable development goals.

A view of the meeting

Dr. Esmat highlighted the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s commitment, along with its affiliated companies and authorities, to fostering serious and sustainable cooperation with global companies possessing advanced expertise. This aims to achieve added value for the national economy and contribute to industrial localization and maximizing local content. He noted ongoing efforts to localize modern Chinese technology for mining and extracting critical economic raw materials and elements, aligning with the state’s plan to maximize returns from earth resources.

The minister praised NORINCO’s expertise and advanced technology, as well as its achievements in the exploration, development, production, and trade of oil, minerals, earth resources, and rare elements. He also acknowledged the company’s success in building pioneering large-scale earth resource projects in several countries and its notable results in production capabilities, equipment, and technology for extracting all critical materials, minerals, and elements.

A view of the meeting

For his part, NORINCO Chairman expressed the company’s interest in expanding its presence in the Egyptian market and its readiness to cooperate with the ministry and its affiliated entities on joint projects, transferring expertise and technology to achieve mutual benefits.