EGYPT TURNS PALM WASTE INTO INVESTMENT IN GREEN ENERGY PUSH

Palm fronds converted into clean energy and industrial wood products, positioning palm waste as a new green goldmine.

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Egypt Turns Palm Waste into Fuel
Egypt Turns Palm Waste into Fuel


In a bold push toward a circular economy, Egypt is harnessing the untapped potential of palm waste to create a powerhouse of opportunity that fuels both industry and climate resilience.

The Environment Ministry has announced a landmark initiative to convert massive volumes of discarded palm fronds into clean energy and industrial wood products, positioning palm waste as a new green goldmine. 

The strategy, spearheaded by Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad in collaboration with New Valley Governor Mohamed El-Zamlout, was unveiled following high-level talks aimed at advancing climate-smart investment.

The New Valley Governorate, home to nearly five million palm trees, produces significant palm biomass each year, much of which has gone unused. That is about to change. 

Under a newly signed agreement with the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation and European partners, Egypt will construct a €70 million factory dedicated to producing medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from palm residues, turning agricultural waste into export-quality industrial material.

Beyond industrial wood, palm fronds are being eyed as a cleaner alternative to coal in Egypt’s cement sector, one of the country’s biggest polluters. By repurposing agricultural waste as biofuel, the government hopes to slash emissions and reduce the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The Ministry of Environment has also established a new unit to connect investors with green ventures, particularly in bioenergy. The goal: create profitable models that reduce waste, cut carbon, and build economic resilience.

Egypt is joining a growing list of countries turning palm waste into profit. Malaysia is already producing biofuel pellets and fibreboard from palm waste in collaboration with Japanese firms, while Cameroon is exploring repurposing over 200,000 tonnes of palm byproducts into fuel and fertiliser.

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