Hydrogen-Powered Skyscraper Set to Rise in Egypt’s New Capital
Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, an ambitious new city under construction 30 miles east of Cairo, is setting a precedent in sustainable architecture. One of its most innovative projects is the Forbes International Tower, a 240-meter (787-foot) skyscraper that aims to be powered primarily by hydrogen, marking a significant step toward net-zero carbon buildings.
A Vision for Sustainability
Designed by Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture—the firm behind New York's Central Park Tower and Saudi Arabia's upcoming Jeddah Tower—the Forbes International Tower represents a leap in green construction. Developer Magnom Properties intends to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint for the 43-floor office building, using a combination of hydrogen power and solar panels to avoid reliance on traditional power grids.
Hydrogen as the Power Source
The skyscraper is planned to be powered by 75% hydrogen and 25% solar energy, integrating advanced materials with "low-embodied carbon" to reduce emissions associated with construction by an estimated 58%. This approach also includes on-site water recycling and treatment, a critical feature in water-scarce regions like Egypt. If successful, this project will mark the world's first skyscraper to register for the Zero Carbon Certificate from the International Living Future Institute.
Exploring Hydrogen Storage Technologies
Magnom Properties has entered into an agreement with Schneider Electric and H2 Enterprises to explore using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) technology. This system enables hydrogen to be stored and transported in a stable liquid form, using existing fossil fuel infrastructure, before being converted back to electricity on-site. While the final power source is not yet confirmed, this collaboration aims to evaluate the feasibility of using clean hydrogen for the tower’s energy needs.
Part of a Growing Green Movement
The Forbes International Tower is the latest addition to a new wave of net-zero architecture around the world. It follows in the footsteps of other innovative green buildings, such as:
- Z6 Tower in Beijing: A net-zero operational emissions tower by Foster + Partners.
- Curzon Wharf in Birmingham: A mixed-use development featuring a 565-foot tower designed to be net-zero carbon.
- Oasia Hotel Downtown in Singapore: A 27-story building replacing 10 times the greenery on its original site, featuring natural shade and cross-ventilated atria to reduce energy use.
- Dubai’s Vertical Forest: A project by Stefano Boeri Architetti, hosting over 2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs on its facades along with hydroponic gardens.
Rethinking Energy for Skyscrapers
Incorporating hydrogen as an energy source for skyscrapers is a novel approach. Though hydrogen has gained attention as a renewable and clean energy source, it is still underutilized in large-scale architecture. Its potential, however, has been recognized globally, with the Biden administration and other governments advocating for its use in a range of applications.
Other architecture firms are also exploring alternative power sources to meet the energy demands of high-density environments. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), for example, is partnering with Energy Vault to create a gravity power storage system within a megatall skyscraper. This system would raise giant blocks during periods of low energy demand and lower them to convert stored energy into electricity during peak times.
Egypt’s Expanding Green Capital
The Forbes International Tower will take its place in the central business district of the New Administrative Capital. This new city, which broke ground in 2016, promises to offer more green spaces than Cairo and has already completed several key projects, including the Iconic Tower—the tallest building in Africa at 385 meters (1,263 feet).
The New Administrative Capital is intended to alleviate overcrowding in Cairo and accommodate up to 6.5 million residents. It is planned as a smart city with sustainable infrastructure, though some critics argue that resources might be diverted from other needs.
Moving Toward a Greener Future
The drive to create greener skyscrapers is part of a larger global effort to reduce the buildings and construction sector’s significant environmental impact. Responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions, this sector is now a focus for architects and engineers developing innovative, eco-friendly designs.
While hydrogen-based power solutions for buildings are still in the exploratory phase, the Forbes International Tower and similar projects signal a shift toward sustainable urban architecture. Whether through hydrogen power, solar energy, or advanced building materials, the future of skyscrapers is increasingly looking green.
