Egypt’s Magnom Properties, a subsidiary of Rawabi Holding, announced last month that the Forbes International Tower, slated to be situated in the New Administrative Capital, will be the world’s first building to run completely on a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system.
The Forbes International Tower will be built in the northern Central Business District of Cairo’s New Administrative Capital, according to a statement from Magnom Properties.
The announcement is part of Magnom Properties' recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schneider Electric and H2-Enterprise to tap into the long-term potential of clean hydrogen to realize the carbon reduction goals of the Forbes International Tower.
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
Designed by architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG Architecture), the commercial building’s structure is meant to improve the overall energy performance with a solar panel rooftop and fully automated HVAC field devices. This, combined with its biophilic designs, reduces air pollution and helps produce clean energy.
Earlier in January, the company announced plans for the Forbes Tower at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The energy efficient building will have five floors that contain corporate offices and a couple of stories for retail use.
LOHC TECHNOLOGY
Using the proprietary technologies of H2-Enterprises to create clean hydrogen by using previously non-recyclable plastics and other organic wastes as feedstock for its energy production and Schneider Electric’s innovative digital solutions for energy management, the Forbes International Tower will not only tackle critical energy challenges but also power the 24/7 needs of the tower’s operations in a sustainable manner.
The LOHC technology is largely viewed as a viable, environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional methods of hydrogen storage, such as high-pressure compressed gas cylinders or cryogenic liquid storage, which require strict safety measures. The technology is designed to enable hydrogen to be stored in an environmentally sustainable, safe, and easy-to-transport manner, thus allowing for higher energy density while minimizing the risk of accidents.
The LOHC technology has a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition to green hydrogen and enabling its use in construction, which enables a faster transition to a green economy, a key objective of Egypt's ambitious 2030 Vision.
Over the past few years, the country has been stepping up efforts towards reducing greenhouse emissions to meet the carbon reduction target. Last year, the country hosted COP27, following which the government announced the launch of a $40 billion national plan to produce green hydrogen.
MOU
The MoU was signed by Othman A. Ibrahim, CEO of Rawabi Holding and Vice Chairman of Magnom Properties, and Maged Marie, CEO of Magnom Properties, with Sebastien Riez, Cluster President for Northeast Africa and Levant region, Schneider Electric, and Michael Stusch, Executive Chairman and CEO of H2-Enterprises.
The signing ceremony occurred at the Magnom Properties offices at ICD Brookfield Place at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
"Through this partnership, we aim to elevate the standards of sustainability and environmentally responsible practices in the region’s real estate sector, in line with the ambitious goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Othman A. Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Amel Chadli, VP Digital Energy & Software, Schneider Electric Middle East & Africa, said that the Forbes International Tower exemplifies Schneider Electric's vision of Electricity 4.0, underpinned by the company’s commitment to the decarbonization of buildings.
By joining forces with Magnom Properties and H2-Enterprises, Schneider Electric looks to expand its "Buildings of the Future" concept to embrace eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and green building in construction.
"This landmark project paves the way for a sustainable future, redefining the way we power and shape the built environment in the Middle East and Africa," said Chadli.
Besides Egypt, according to the company’s statement, a Forbes International Tower is also planned for the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
