The current global environmental status is increasingly concerning due to climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. How can solar energy contribute to sustainability? Solar energy offers a clean, renewable power source that significantly reduces carbon emissions and improves energy security.
By harnessing the sun’s abundant resources, we can mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and create jobs in the renewable sector. Transitioning to solar energy not only addresses immediate energy needs but also promotes a healthier planet for future generations.
OneraSystems, under the leadership of President and CEO Wael H. El-Nashar, is committed to advancing solar energy solutions through its expertise in Solar PV Systems EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction). By bringing innovative and sustainable solar energy projects, OneraSystems plays a dynamic role in enhancing sustainability and supporting the transition to a greener future.
The company’s efforts align with the broader goal of leveraging solar energy to combat environmental challenges and adoptive economic growth. This version creates a more seamless connection between the benefits of solar energy and OneraSystems’ mission, highlighting how the company contributes to the sustainability goals discussed.
Below are the interview highlights:
How has your leadership at your company influenced the development and adoption of solar energy solutions in Egypt?
Wael H. El-Nashar has been a pioneer in promoting photovoltaic energy in the MENA region since 1990. He founded MEET Egypt, a company specializing in solar PV, and later restructured it into a holding company with OneraSystems as the renewable energy subsidiary. Under his leadership, MEET Egypt provided innovative solutions in various sectors in Egypt.
El-Nashar’s vision and determination led him to introduce photovoltaic systems commercially in Egypt in the early 1990s, when it was primarily a research subject. His experience includes co-founding Arabian Solar Energy & Technology Co. (ASET) and serving as Executive General Manager, responsible for operations, project management, vendor negotiations, and more.
EL-Nashar has successfully expanded the applications of photovoltaic energy, recognizing its advantages over other renewables. His efforts have significantly contributed to the development and adoption of solar energy solutions in Egypt.
What innovative strategies have you used to meet the diverse needs of clients in the photovoltaic sector?
The use of photovoltaic systems has become important in various applications across Egypt, driven by innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the government, military, public, and private sectors. Our understanding of client requirements has allowed us to provide high-quality, customized solutions that beat expectations.
We continuously seek new ideas for utilizing photovoltaic energy in areas requiring reliable power supply. Our ongoing research and development initiatives, supported by extensive industry experience, aim to boost reliance on photovoltaic energy, proving it commercially viable in the short, medium, and long term.
What has driven the growing acceptance of photovoltaic systems in various sectors?
The success of our photovoltaic systems stems from innovations that have made them a preferred alternative energy source in Egypt. Clients from sectors like telecom, oil and gas, healthcare, and more have consistently returned for additional solutions.
Our strong market presence positions us as a turnkey provider, allowing us to control the value chain and certify reliable systems. We highlight educating stakeholders on the benefits of photovoltaic systems as clean energy sources.
We strive for excellence in service, promoting appropriate applications of photovoltaic systems. Our operations are systemized to maintain quality, exploiting Oracle-based design engineering for project diagnostics and assessments. As a result, we have achieved ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 18001, and 50001) for our quality of services and operations.
What has driven your company’s leadership in the photovoltaic market, and how will you maintain this position?
The increasing demand for photovoltaic systems over the past 25 years has strengthened our relationships with clients, stakeholders, and institutions in renewable energy. Under Wael H. El-Nashar’s leadership, MEET Egypt and OneraSystems have established a leading market position, focusing on continuous research and development.
We have pioneered the use of photovoltaic systems in various applications, including telecom, toll stations, and remote settlements, demonstrating their viability in Egypt. Our commitment to innovation has led us to create a commercially feasible model that supports sustainable development and benefits both the company and society.
We take pride in being the first in the MENA region to adapt photovoltaic systems for telecom applications, consistently seeking economically efficient solutions.
What benefits do OneraSystems’ photovoltaic solutions offer for urban green buildings?
OneraSystems focuses on providing clean, efficient, and reliable energy in the Middle East, complementing MEET Egypt with complete solar-powered systems for sectors like telecommunications, oil, and utilities. The company adheres to MEET’s quality standards, holding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications since 2003 and OHSAS 18001 since 2006 for various solar system services.
The application of photovoltaic solar systems now extends beyond remote areas to urban green buildings, promoting energy self-reliance and reducing pressure on the public electricity grid.
What is OneraSystems’ mission and vision in the renewable energy sector, and how do they plan to achieve their goals?
OneraSystems Mission
OneraSystems is dedicated to developing renewable energy projects both regionally and internationally. The company aims to deliver exceptional customer service while being recognized as a leader in renewable energy and the green economy, contributing to the creation of clean energy from sustainable sources.
OneraSystems Vision
The company plans to grow through significant investments in R&D and strategic mergers and acquisitions. OneraSystems is committed to providing outstanding value to customers and gaining recognition in the markets it serves, with a focus on excelling in the renewable energy sector in Egypt, the MENA region, and globally.
What can boost local financial institutions’ confidence in funding smaller renewable energy projects?
Local financial institutions perceive renewable energy projects as high-risk investments, leading to higher interest rates for smaller projects. Larger projects can secure lower rates from foreign institutions, but face currency exchange risks.
Bundling smaller projects can achieve the necessary scale to reduce costs and boost local banks’ confidence. This would enable domestic lenders to develop tailored financing schemes using concessional resources, allowing renewable projects to thrive.
What are the main benefits of renewable energy, and how can we raise awareness of them?
Renewable energy offers key economic, social, and environmental benefits. It can lower long-term costs, create green jobs, and enhance energy security. Socially, it improves access and health by reducing pollution and community engagement.
Environmentally, renewables significantly cut emissions, combat climate change, and preserve resources. Highlighting these advantages can encourage more support and investment in renewable energy.
What reforms are necessary to streamline regulations and clarify institutional roles for wind and solar development in Egypt?
To streamline regulations for wind and solar in Egypt, address complex administrative procedures discouraging developers. Lack of contractual documents and multiple focal points hinder progress despite a supportive environment.
Reform the market framework to boost project bankability, especially in PPAs where EETC struggles to meet obligations. Standardize project documents to alleviate investor concerns. Develop a national plan to boost local manufacturing, promote knowledge transfer, and create jobs, as the renewable sector has already generated 6,000 jobs.
What do you consider to be the most promising emerging technology or innovation in the sustainable energy space, and why?
Solar systems. Due to its ability to be deployed in any size and in any location.
