A historic skyscraper powered by hydrogen will be erected on Egypt in the following years, becoming the world's first building to do so.
In a report by CNN, the upcoming Egypt skyscraper called 'Forbes International Tower' is part of its brand new Administrative Capital, currently under development just outside Cairo. The 240-meter-tall building is designed by Gordon Gill at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, which is behind iconic structures like New York's Central Park Tower.
(Photo : Forbes International Tower)Hydrogen-Powered 'Forbes International Tower' in Egypt
The project, according to developer Magnom Properties, has a goal to reach a net-zero carbon footprint by using hydrogen as a principal supply of power. Besides hydrogen, solar panels will also be part of the construction to maintain energy-efficiency.
The Forbes International Tower is an example to make future skyscrapers greener in an industry responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions. In detail, Magnom Properties will power the 43-floor office building with 75% hydrogen and 25% solar energy using materials with "low-embodied carbon," reducing the carbon footprint of construction by as much as 58%. It is expected to accommodate up to 6.5 million residents.
To make it purely hydrogen-powered, an on-site water recycling system will be installed inside, which is a leap for a country like Egypt, which lacks water.
Hydrogen is a renewable and clean source of energy that has seldom been applied at this scale to architecture. "This project represents a significant leap forward in sustainable building design, and we are proud to be pioneering such a bold concept," says a representative at Magnom Properties.
Now, according to Forbes Middle East, the placement of the Forbes International Tower at Egypt's New Administrative Capital is crucial because it has been promoted as a "smart city" with sustainability goals. Currently, no specific date has been shared yet on when it will be done but the report noted that developers have been building since 2016.