Integrating Nuclear and Renewable Energy in Egypt: Insights from South Korea’s Industrial Policies

Abstract

Clean energy is essential for global economic shifts driven by volatile markets and environmental issues. In Egypt, the energy sector is pivotal for economic transformation and sustainability, facing demographic pressures and dependence on fossil fuels. Despite its strategic location with abundant solar and wind resources, Egypt's energy system suffers from aging infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, and limited adoption of clean technology. Industrial policy aims to address these challenges by investing in clean energy, fostering local innovation, and improving energy security, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt's Vision 2030. This study explores how industrial policies enhance local technological capabilities, upgrade infrastructure, and integrate nuclear and renewable energy in Egypt. It takes a descriptive and analytical approach, comparing Egypt to South Korea. The case study is framed by a comparative matrix using secondary data, with criteria including institutional coherence, policy sequencing, and infrastructure outcomes. Key sources include energy strategies from Egypt (ISES 2035, Vision 2030) and South Korea (Renewable Energy 3020, Basic Plans 8–10, Green Growth Strategy, emphasizing significant shifts in industrial energy policies, particularly Egypt's clean energy initiatives and Korea's timeline for nuclear and renewable strategies from 2000 to 2025. The analysis uses a comparison matrix with three axis and its related criteria: institutional coherence, policy sequencing, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory effectiveness. It evaluates industrial policy across three dimensions: economic viability, energy mix infrastructure readiness and related technology and innovation, also the regulatory framework. However, the research's reliance on secondary data limits deeper insights. Differences between Egypt and South Korea affect the generalizability of findings. The study highlights key industrial policy instruments in Egypt, such as the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program (2014–2017), Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy, and El Dabaa nuclear project, compared to South Korea’s Renewable Energy 3020 Plan, Basic Electricity Supply Plans, and Green Growth Strategy. Both countries employ state-driven models, but South Korea shows better institutional coordination through proactive grid modernization, R&D investments, and regulatory consistency, while Egypt struggles with fragmented execution and delayed investments. The study proposes a customizable industrial policy for integrating nuclear and renewable energy in Egypt, inspired by key aspects of the South Korean experience. It identifies barriers like high initial costs and regulatory inconsistencies. In contrast, South Korea’s model—characterized by strong institutional coordination, localized nuclear technology, and phased policy implementation—is a replicable blueprint. Egypt requires a long-term, state-led strategy to align energy planning with industrial capacity, invest in smart grid infrastructure, clarify regulations, and foster public trust through transparent communication and stakeholder involvement.