Displaying items by tag: Egyptians Against Coal

Egypt: An independent local coalition called Egyptians Against Coal (EAC) aims to advocate excluding coal use from Egypt's energy and cement industry by 2017 due to its 'hazardous environmental threats,' according to a statement from the group released on 10 November 2015.

In mid-September 2015, the Ministry of Environment approved studies made by seven cement factories to use coal in their production process instead of natural gas. The factories include those of LafargeHolcim, Suez Cement (Italcementi) and Arabian Cement, among others.

Suez Cement has announced that it plans to convert two more of its plants to use alternative energy sources, at a total cost of US$37 - 50m each. The company is aiming to convert the Tora and Helwan plants to use coal and a heavy fuel oil known as mazut, following in the footsteps of the Kattameya and Suez plants in the last few months.

During a meeting, the EAC discussed potential ways to raise awareness and advocacy on both the level of individuals and decision makers. The initiative brings together researchers, economists, lawyers, as well as journalists who are interested in environmental issues.

"We are about to issue a booklet that illustrates everything related to coal use and another booklet about alternative energy resources to produce clean energy," said Amena Sharaf, a researcher at the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR).

According to the EAC, coal use in some factories caused severe harm for its labour force and their families living nearby. It claims that workers 'do not know about friendlier energy alternatives that could be used.'

The use of coal in Egypt raised many concerns on both the local and official levels when the idea was first suggested, including among then-minister of environment Laila Iskandar. The amendments stated that coal will be used on a 'large scale' without stating a definitive number on the industries in which it will be used.