It was a less-than-eventful cabinet meeting: During their weekly meeting, ministers approved a series of decisions aimed at better regulating water resources, protecting coral reefs, and ramping up our green energy transition.

#1- Illegal groundwater drilling will come at a hefty cost: Ministers approved amendments to the Water Resources and Irrigation Act executive regulations, which would introduce tougher penalties for illegal groundwater drilling. Under the amendments, violators who drill wells illegally will face at least a month in prison and / or a fine of EGP 50-500k. The amendments also introduce tougher penalties for violators who fail to set up the necessary infrastructure to manage rainfall or operate without getting the necessary licensing and approvals.

#2- Better protected coral reefs: The cabinet also approved a decision to protect all coral reefs not protected under the Natural Reserves Law. Officials will make an official announcement regarding this step over the coming few days during COP28.

#3- Hydrogen-powered Burullus? The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and Siemens will ink an MoU to look into using a hydrogen-natural gas blend to power the Burullus Power Plant turbines.

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