Natural gas is green & less costly than benzene
Gas fueled vehicles’ plan has not been successful
The gas supply agreement is cancelled as a result of EMG’s late dues
Solar energy contributes to limiting our energy consumption
By Moharram Fouad
In an exclusive interview with Mohammad Shoaib, he asserts that natural gas is one of Egypt crucial resources and a main factor that contributes to economic development. Natural gas has several advantages. He explained that vehicles should be fueled with gas instead of benzene because gas is less costly and safe for the environment. We should rationalize our energy use through adjusting sun heaters to buildings’ roofs. Shoaib exposes the facts of cancelling a gas supply agreement with East Mediterranean Gas (EMG) Co.
What is the advantage of using natural gas instead of benzene for cars?
There are several economic and environmental advantages; natural gas contains much of the “octane” substance which does not pollute the environment. As for the economic advantage, natural gas is less costly comparing to benzene.
Would you evaluate the plan of substituting benzene fueled cars with gas fueled ones?
Well, there have been a number of roughly 200 thousand benzene fueled cars shifted to gas fueled cars in all Egypt governorates since the launch of this project in the 1980s. Giving to the previous outcome, the plan has not been successful enough because we have around 6 million benzene fueled cars.
Are there any obstacles facing the government in transforming all the benzene fueled cars to gas fueled cars?
The government needs to be aware of Egypt potentials and in doing so, it will be easier for the government to implement its projects and plans properly. The government has to bear in mind importing gas fueled cars, the same concept is applied in European countries and US. Consequently, this will enable the government to take the burden off Egyptian citizens’ shoulders and provide construction sites for natural gas stations.
How do you regard the energy current situation in Egypt?
Energy issues have not been addressed as it should be in Egypt and the energy crisis was not managed properly in the last years.
What do we need in order to tackle the energy issue efficiently?
We need to be aware of our capabilities, resources and its costs. We also have to take in consideration how to rationalize energy and make the best use of all sorts of primary energy in their relative industries. Moreover, we have to bear in mind the country and citizens’ needs then we can combine all these factors in a plan; the plan has to be implemented in a way that achieves targeted outcomes. In addition, the government has to present the plan’s outcomes to the parliament on a quarterly basis. The plan has to commit to a set timeframe and to be exposed to Egyptian citizens so they can monitor the performance of these governments.
Who is responsible for setting such an ambitious plan?
Experts who have the skill of setting effective plans are responsible for this regard. These experts should not have any ties to the government or governmental and ministerial posts. As a consequent, this will give them the chance to set plans and projects independently, aiming to benefit Egypt.
What is the obstacle facing such a policy implementation?
The obstacle is represented in the going on changes, i.e. the new agreements made and projects such as solar energy and the controversy arose over it. The targeted outcomes would be met if we could have a clear approach and therefore set an ambitious plan.
What are the tools that can help us hit this target percentage?
Laws and regulations have to be made over constructing new factories, buildings or companies. These laws should dictate attaching sun heaters to these buildings’ roofs in order to make them operate using such a technology which contributes to energy consumption.
What about attaching sun heaters to ancient buildings?
Sun heaters could be attached to ancient buildings as well. This could be achieved through applying for loans with a set timeframe ranging from 5 to 7 years. If we could implement an accurate plan to benefit from solar energy, we would be able to rationalize around 10 billion cubic meters of water, noting that our yearly consumption is 90 billion cubic meters of water. This is the perfect solution for our water crises, for instance, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, irrigation and agriculture crises.
Why was the agreement cancelled with the company responsible for exporting gas to Israel?
First, I want to correct some false facts that people believed were true. Before I do so I want to state that officials bear responsibility before God, Egypt and the authority which they work for; therefore, agreements must be committed to. As for the cancelled agreement you asked about, it was an agreement signed by Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation with a third party, East Mediterranean Gas Co. The agreement made upon supplying the latter company with gas in order to export it to Israel. This supply of gas was for an agreed upon sum of money, paid on certain times. The agreement stated that if the latter company does not pay its dues for a certain period of time, the former two bodies will be entitled to cancel the agreement. East Mediterranean Gas Co. did not pay its dues for more than 6 months so we decided to cancel the agreement.
What are the false facts you mentioned previously?
East Mediterranean Gas Co. had filed a case against Egypt in Paris prior to the agreements cancellation with 6 months. As a result, people thought that the agreement had been cancelled.
Was the case filed as a response of the agreement cancellation?
On the contrary, EMG claimed that Egypt did not provide the agreed upon amounts of gas since 2008, in addition to not protecting its gas line from bombings that happened in Sinai. Although, we explained more than once that these circumstances are beyond our control, EMG denied the circumstances and did not pay its late dues which led us to make the cancellation decision.
