Sustainability Discussion Series on Renewable Energy Begins Today

Egypt faces persistent fuel and electricity shortages, as well as the threat of rising sea levels from global warming. Quite often, the answer proposed for Egypt’s energy challenges, large-scale and small, consists of just two words: renewable energy.

Egypt’s renewable resources, including the sun, wind and biomass, are indeed considerable, yet how realistic are expectations that renewable energy will provide an all-purpose solution for Egypt’s energy problems?

A monthly discussion series titled “Renewable Energy for Egypt: Fact or Fantasy?” presented by the Office of Sustainability with participation by AUC faculty members and outside industry experts, will explore the extent to which renewable energy can realistically fulfill Egypt’s energy needs and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. It will also identify the key opportunities and challenges that will determine how significant a role renewables will play in Egypt’s energy future.

“Renewable energy is a subject crucial to the future of Egypt, but it is also fraught with many misconceptions,” said Marc Rauch, director of the Office of Sustainability. “In this series, with the help of faculty and industry experts, we will separate fact from wishful thinking when it comes to Egypt’s main renewable resources –– solar, wind and biomass.”

The format for the first three one-hour sessions will be a presentation with faculty expert participation, followed by an opportunity for a Q&A. The fourth and final session will be a panel discussion with faculty and industry experts. “Anyone who attends these sessions will emerge with a much clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges along the road to large-scale adoption of renewable energy technologies in Egypt,” affirmed Rauch.

All AUC faculty, students and staff are welcome to attend.

A complete schedule of the Spring 2014 Sustainability Discussion Series is highlighted below:

“Egypt’s Energy Crisis : Can Renewables Help?”
Monday, February 10, 1 - 2 pm, Conference and Visitor Center, Room P019

“Solar Energy: Opportunities and Challenges”
Wednesday, March 12, 1 - 2 pm, Conference and Visitor Center, Room P020

“Wind, Biomass and Hybrids: Opportunities and Challenges”
Wednesday, April 9, 1 - 2 pm, Conference and Visitor Center, Room P019

“Panel Discussion: Renewable Energy for Egypt: Fact or Fantasy?”
Wednesday, May 7, 1 - 2 pm, Conference and Visitor Center, Room P019