Egypt unveils hydrogen-powered skyscraper in new capital

Egypt is developing a new city, the New Administrative Capital, located outside Cairo, which aims to incorporate innovative and sustainable designs. Among the ambitious projects is the Forbes International Tower, a 787-foot skyscraper designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. This building is intended to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by utilizing clean hydrogen as its primary energy source, supplemented by solar panels. The developer, Magnom Properties, plans to use materials with low-embodied carbon to significantly reduce the construction's carbon emissions by 58%. In addition to its energy-efficient design, the skyscraper will implement water recycling and treatment systems to address the growing water scarcity in Egypt. The goal is to create a net-negative carbon footprint, meaning the building will remove more carbon than it emits throughout its lifecycle. This initiative is part of a broader trend towards sustainable architecture, with the Forbes International Tower aiming to be the first skyscraper to register for a Zero Carbon Certificate from the International Living Future Institute. The use of hydrogen as a power source is a relatively new concept in building design, garnering attention from various governments and energy sectors. However, there are concerns regarding the scalability of hydrogen production to meet current energy demands. The project will assess the feasibility of using clean hydrogen, indicating that the final energy source may still be subject to change. The New Administrative Capital, which began construction in 2016, is projected to cost around $58 billion and is designed to attract both domestic and international businesses, positioning itself as a smart city with sustainable credentials.