Innovative renewable energy solutions for the sustainability of Egypt's aquaculture

Abstract

The rapid growth of the tilapia aquaculture sector in Egypt over recent decades has provided an important source of nutrition, income and economic activity for fish farms, feed mills and communities. However, this important industry faces a number of threats, including those caused by climate change. In June 2023, WorldFish partnered with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo to establish the Center for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA) project to refine, test and scale innovative renewable energy solutions over a 4-year period. The project commissioned a baseline scoping study to identify critical factors, map key stakeholders and recommend opportunities for adoption of technologies. The study carried out field data collection by interviewing fish farmers, retailers, feed companies and other important stakeholders, such as renewable energy technology companies. Field data was compiled and analyzed along with the results from focus group discussions and key informant interviews (KIIs). The scoping study highlighted that very few fish farms currently make use of renewable energy technologies. Most depend on diesel-powered pumps to move water through their ponds, and many are not connected to the electricity grid. There has been little capital investment in Egyptian fish farm zones, as land has usually been leased for short time periods and farmers are discouraged from building permanent structures. Farmers generally understand the potential for renewable energy to reduce their operating costs but are worried about the installation costs for renewable energy systems. Short lease periods also mean that that they would prefer transportable systems that could be moved to a new site, if required. Service providers of renewable energy solutions are keen to provide appropriate technologies but they lack basic information about the aquaculture business. Their most widely applied system for agriculture in Egypt is solar power for pumping water. Other technologies such as biogas, wind turbines and hydrogen would need more research. Finance could be provided for green technologies through existing banks and microfinance institutions, while NGOs could also play a role.