Aquaculture in Egypt is crucial for food security and income generation, but the sector faces significant challenges such as limited resources and adverse climate changes. On the other hand, a growing market demand due to population increase adds pressure on the industry. The use of renewable energy in the aquaculture value chain is an innovative approach to overcoming these challenges and increasing yield in a sustainable manner. The Center of Renewable Energy in Aquaculture project is a groundbreaking collaborative initiative funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo and implemented by WorldFish. It aims to enhance aquaculture practices in Egypt and broader Africa by harnessing cutting-edge renewable energy technologies to support economic growth, address protein needs, and enhance environmental sustainability and climate resilience within the aquaculture value chain.
The primary goal of the project is to refine, test, and scale innovative renewable energy solutions that enable fish producers, processors, and other fish value chain actors in Egypt to increase their productivity and incomes. This, in turn, leads to improved food and nutrition security, reduced food waste and loss, and more energy-efficient and climate-smart aquaculture value chains.
The proposed intervention compromise three main components: studying and surveying to identify key challenges and explore the potential for integrating renewable energy solutions; piloting innovative renewable energy interventions, six cutting-edge technologies selected and matched with proposed beneficiaries across the aquaculture value chain; and scaling; dedicated to scaling up successful pilot interventions across the aquaculture sector.
The findings from the comprehensive baseline study provide critical insights into the energy dynamics of tilapia farming. Of the surveyed farms, only 36% have access to grid electricity, and just 6.5% of farmers have experimented with renewable energy solutions. Fish feed emerged as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in tilapia farming systems, responsible for approximately 65% to 68% of the total environmental impact. Furthermore, on-farm energy use accounted for 19% to 25% of overall GHG emissions. A significant reduction up to 23% in on-farm energy-related GHG emissions could be achieved by totally transitioning from diesel fuel to renewable energy sources.
The project engaged the stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain, including hatcheries, fish farms, post-harvest processing, and wholesale markets. We engaged with stakeholders at every level to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach in the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
The CeREA project represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and resilient aquaculture sector in Egypt and Africa. It is expected to unlock the full potential of aquaculture to contribute to economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Keywords: Egypt, renewable energy, GHG, innovation in aquaculture, climate resilience