– Morocco is participating in the Ecomondo and Key Energy 2022 trade fairs. What is your view on the progress made by the Kingdom in the environmental field?
The Kingdom has set ambitious targets by 2050, aiming to achieve an 80% share of renewable energy in its energy mix. Recognizing the long-term nature of the climate crisis, this vision focuses on both technological infrastructure and human capital development.
I welcome the Moroccan government’s policy of attracting skilled professionals from around the world to work in sectors such as the green economy and renewable energies. The success of sustainability initiatives requires a skilled workforce, research, and talent.
– Special attention will be paid to Africa during this edition. Why is this significant?
Sustainability and the circular economy can only be achieved through strong international partnerships. Last year, IEG launched the Africa Green Growth project in collaboration with various organizations to promote the internationalization of Italian companies in Africa. This initiative aims to address the needs of the continent in terms of food, water, raw materials, and energy.
We have involved the embassies of participating countries, including Morocco, and will be hosting a large delegation of operators to facilitate the entry of Italian companies into the African market and establish supply chains.
– This edition takes place against the backdrop of numerous climate and energy challenges. How does Ecomondo plan to contribute to global energy transition efforts?
Ecomondo, as a showcase for innovative technologies, aims to support the ecological transition by engaging industrial players and public administrations to adopt these technologies for achieving environmental goals.
We will also be present at the Mediterranean pavilion at COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh in November, where we will be partners. This event will recognize the work done by the show’s scientific committee.
Despite economic challenges, with gas prices soaring since 2021 and the Ukraine war exacerbating the situation, sustainability remains a cornerstone of Italy’s recovery plan. The “Next Generation EU” loan plan provides 209 billion euros to achieve systemic objectives.
– How important is sustainability to IEG in its trade shows?
IEG prioritizes sustainability in its trade shows. Ecomondo, in its 25th anniversary year, has become a platform for technological innovation in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. We have implemented various measures to reduce our environmental impact.
We have installed 114,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels at the Rimini Expo Center, making the entire plant self-sufficient with an annual production of 7 million kwh and a CO2 reduction of 680 tons.
Additionally, we save 23 million litres of water and utilize an “ice bank” system to reduce cooling energy consumption by 50%. In 2021, we installed three additional photovoltaic plants, generating 8.5 million kWh of clean electricity and reducing CO2 emissions by a total of 1.4 million tons.