Energy is a critical commodity. It is central to concerns
about sustainable development and poverty reduction. It affects practically all
aspects of social and economic development, including livelihoods, water,
agriculture, population, health, education, job creation, and gender-related
issues. It determines the shape of the life of individuals and that of the total
economy. Current patterns of energy production and consumption have direct
negative impacts on the environment and natural resources at the local, regional
and global level.
Energy demand in Egypt is increasing rapidly, mainly due to
population increase and the rapid technological advances. Most of these energy
sources come from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal. These fossil
fuels are finite and not sustainable. Sustainability means that we meet our
current needs without compromising the ability of future generation needs.
Renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass are sustainable source
of energy. In addition they are free, do not pollute, widely available and will
not become depleted.
In countries like Egypt with high incident solar radiation
(Insolation) level and abundance of crop residues, renewable energy opens new
options for several applications. In remote areas, where it would be both
expensive and troublesome to haul in fossil fuels, Renewable energy also offers
a reliable and environmentally–sound alternative. But,
they are hardly used at all in Egypt. What a waste!!
Some reasons for not adopting these sustainable renewable
energies include implementation cost and lack of pertinent experience. The lack
of pertinent experience is due to the lack of fundamental education regarding
sustainable energy at all levels of education in Egypt and elsewhere.
Furthermore, there is a general lack of awareness of sustainable energy in
society.
We also believe that RE education and awareness remains an
important activity that should not be left only in the hands of RE industry and
environmental organizations. University must take the lead in RE education and
awareness.