The Solar Energy Networking Dinner joined a series of previous events hosted under the auspices of the DAAD Cairo and addressing the potential of renewable energy, including the “Rethinking Energy” conference in 2015 as well as the workshop on the study “80 Gigawatts of Change: Egypt’s Future Electricity Pathways” and a one-day workshop presenting the study conducted by the Fraunhofer ISE on Electricity Costs from Renewable Energy Technologies in 2016.

As a result of economic and population growth, the energy demand in the MENA countries will continue to rise in the coming decades. Sunlight as a renewable energy source is available in abundance, but its implementation is only progressing slowly. In order to address this issue, researchers and economists were invited to present their solar energy research and projects in the MENA region. The event turned out to be a remarkable success, emphasising the interface between science and business. Seven scientific posters were presented by the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology, ERANETMED, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany Zeweil City of Science & Technology, Cleantech Arabia, students of the TU Berlin El Gouna and two other researchers from Egyptian universities.

In addition, eight companies were keen to market their energy activities and projects that evening. During the networking dinner, many participants exchanged new ideas for upcoming projects and gave positive feedback about the COSIMENA Solar Energy Poster Exhibition.