Italy and Egypt are set to expand cooperation across renewable energy, natural gas and green transition projects, with both countries seeking to diversify their energy mixes and strengthen security of supply.

Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, took part in the Italian-Egyptian Joint Commission meeting in Cairo on September 3, where the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across the energy sector.

During the meeting, Pichetto Fratin met with Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad Mikhail, as the two countries discussed a broader framework for bilateral cooperation spanning energy and environmental priorities.

Pichetto highlighted the strategic importance of the energy relationship between the two countries and their plans to expand cooperation across gas, renewables and green transition projects.

“Italy and Egypt share the goal of diversifying their energy mix, strengthening security of supply, ensuring stability of the electricity system and supporting the transition towards low-emission energy systems,” Pichetto Fratin said.

The Italian minister also pointed to the potential role of nuclear power alongside renewable energy in the future energy mix.

“In this perspective, we believe that new-generation nuclear power can make an important contribution, in complementarity with the development of renewable energy sources,” he added.

Italy and Egypt eye new Mediterranean energy links

Pichetto also highlighted the strategic position of Italy and Egypt as energy hubs in different parts of the Mediterranean, with Italy acting as a bridge to the European Union and Egypt connecting the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

“The strategic position of our countries makes them naturally important energy hubs in the different areas of the Mediterranean, Italy as a bridge towards the EU and Egypt as a bridge towards the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East,” he said.

The two countries could develop new electricity, gas and oil interconnections, while also exploring future opportunities involving biomethane and hydrogen.

The minister said that Italy is supporting Egypt through several initiatives, particularly under the Mattei Plan for Africa, which provides a broader framework for cooperation between the two countries.

Cooperation beyond energy

The bilateral agenda also includes environmental cooperation, particularly in circular economy, marine protection and water resources.

Pichetto Fratin highlighted two major events focused on Mediterranean water cooperation that will take place in Rome at the end of September, stressing the importance Italy places on Egypt’s participation.