The Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) project aims to develop the market environment for the diffusion and local manufacturing of solar energy systems, particularly in key industrial sectors such as Food, Textile, and Chemical, which have significant potential for solar thermal applications. Its main components include developing policy instruments, mobilizing financing, improving manufacturing and distribution, and building technical capacity. The expected outputs include the development of incentive schemes and policies, innovative financing packages, implementation of solar heating pilot projects, establishment of standards and best practices, and capacity building for local experts.
The financing scheme offered by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) includes a bank loan amounting to 90% of the investment cost, with the applicant required to self-finance the remaining 10%. The loan amount must be at least EGP 100,000, with no specified maximum amount. The interest rate varies based on the size of the company according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) definition, with small companies typically receiving a higher interest rate compared to medium and large companies. There are no bank fees charged, and the loan repayment period can extend up to 5 years, with a grace period of up to 1 year.
The project follows a structured process to facilitate the implementation of Solar Water Heating (SWH) systems in industrial facilities. It begins with a quick energy scan to assess suitability, followed by a detailed energy audit and pre-feasibility study to identify energy-saving opportunities, and assess SWH integration feasibility. Subsequently, international consultants conduct a detailed SWH system design and feasibility study, including technical and financial assessments such as OPEX, CAPEX, Payback period, and ROI. Financial support is provided in collaboration with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) for interested manufacturers. The project also assists in tendering procedures and supports companies in evaluating bids. Upon installation, the project team ensures adherence to the implementation plan and monitors system performance for six months to ensure effectiveness, providing detailed technical and financial documentation of system savings. Contact UNIDO for more information.
