Naval El Sawwari

Egyptian engineer and renewable energy pioneer who revolutionized solar power adoption in North Africa

Naval El Sawwari (b.1972) is a visionary engineer whose work transformed renewable energy access in Egypt and neighboring countries. In 1999, he co-founded Solar Nile, a company that developed affordable solar water heaters using locally sourced materials. His innovation reduced installation costs by 40%, enabling 50,000 rural households to adopt solar energy by 2005.

El Sawwari's breakthrough came with the 2002 introduction of the 'Solar Kit' system - a portable photovoltaic unit that powers basic appliances. This invention was adopted by the Egyptian government's 2004 Rural Electrification Program, bringing electricity to 200,000 homes. His work was highlighted in Greenpeace's 2006 report on renewable energy success stories.

In 2000, he established the African Solar Institute, training 1,500 technicians across 12 countries. His advocacy led to Egypt's 2003 Renewable Energy Law, which provided tax incentives for solar projects. His memoir Solar Dawn (2005) became a blueprint for sustainable energy initiatives in developing nations.