Initiatives ... Technology/Market Initiatives   1- Technology Cooperation Agreement Pilot Project (TCAPP) Acknowledging technology transfer as one of its highest priorities, Egypt is focusing on such initiatives as the Technology Cooperation Agreement Pilot Project (TCAPP), in cooperation with the U.S. Country Studies Program. The TCAPP is chartered to develop consensus among key Egyptian organizations on a set of high priority, climate-friendly, technology issues aimed at successful commercialization. Results are expected to produce candidate technology transfer areas for consideration under the guidance of the National Climate Change Committee. Market development plans for selected technologies are currently underway.   2- Promotion of Wind Energy for Electricity Generation This is an active program within the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, through the New and Renewable Energy Authority. Supported by many international donors, this project aims at installing 600 MW of wind turbine by the year 2005. The first 300 MW is already contracted through different donors, and most of them are scheduled to be operating by 2003.   3- Fuel Cell Bus Demonstration Project Through the GEF, the UNDP is currently supporting fuel cell bus demonstration projects in Cairo, San Paolo, New Delhi, Beijing, and Mexico City to reduce GHG emissions and other pollutants. The demonstration in Cairo features eight fuel cell buses with associated hydrogen production and supply facilities. The program will run for five years, with three years devoted to driving, monitoring and testing performance. Service is targeted for implementation in the year 2001. With a focus on technology transfer, Egypt hopes to expand the success of this demonstration in its transportation fleet.   4- Hybrid-Electric Bus Technology in Egypt The overall objective of the project is to introduce to Egypt a viable Hybrid-electric bus that will have significant benefits and sustainability in various segments of the country. The project is funded by GEF and implemented by UNDP and the Egyptian Social Development Fund. The project will be applied to high priority historical sites starting with the Giza plateau where the ancient pyramids are located.   5- Natural Gas Motorcycles This is a demonstration project in Egypt of a Canadian technology developed to reduce the emissions of GHG by converting two-stroke engines used in motorcycles to compressed natural gas (CNG). The project will be implemented in three phases: identification of capabilities and barriers, demonstration of the technology, and a hand-over and transition to the local market.   6- Methane Recovery from Landfills This is a demonstration project on the recovery of methane generated in landfills in cooperation with the Canadian government and Industry Canada. The proposed work plan involves the design and construction of two bioreactor landfill cells in Cairo. After the completion of the project, the team will hand over the two bio-reactor cells to the Cairo Solid Waste Management Authority. On-site training will be provided to the Egyptian staff for future operation and monitoring.   7- The Integrated Solar Thermal/Natural Gas Power Plant at Kuraymat The New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) has prepared a program for implementing a series of solar thermal power plants. This includes the first Integrated Solar Combined Cycle System (ISCCS) with a 100-150 megawatt (MW) capacity in Kuraymat, Egypt. The GEF/World Bank funded project began in 1997 with a target date of operation during 2001. A second project of almost similar capacity is anticipated to go into operation before 2005.   8- The Energy Efficiency Improvement and Emissions Reduction Project A four-year project implemented by the UNDP with GEF funding was designed to achieve reduction in GHG emissions. This would be achieved through the adoption of policies that promote demand-side management and energy conservation activities, and the creation of an enabling environment for energy efficiency. It focuses on the transmission and distribution of electrical systems, cogeneration policies, and market support for emerging energy service companies.   9- Fuel Switching Current Egyptian energy policy calls for shifting the demand from liquid fuel oil to natural gas. This is due to the abundance in natural gas supply estimated at 45 trillion cubic feet (CF), and with the identified 3D seismic potential, can reach 120 trillion CF. Fuel switching is currently being applied to the electricity generation, industry, and residential sectors. The USAID-assisted Cairo Air Improvement Program (CAIP), important CNG technologies have been introduced to Egypt. In 2000, CAIP furnished Cairo's municipal bus companies with fifty CNG-powered rolling bus chassis, and the Government of Egypt is contributing the bus bodies. By the end of 2000, all fifty buses will be placed into commercial service in Greater Cairo. CAIP has also helped equip the CNG bus maintenance garages required for these fleets, and worked collaboratively with the Government of Egypt to introduce CNG-related safety standards for fuel tanks, fueling stations, and fuel systems. As an example of public-private sector partnerships, the private sector has responded favorably to the promotion of CNG in Egypt by building and operating twenty-seven CNG fueling stations and converting over 27,000 vehicles including taxis to CNG since 1996. The USAID Commodity Import Program helped in purchasing fueling equipment for many of these CNG filling stations.