Egypt has the potential to set a regional example as a leader in renewable energy, which would benefit the government and population alike, Dianne Sutherland writes for AUC’s Cairo Review of Global Affairs. Sutherland takes a trip down memory lane to recount the details of Egypt’s oil and gas history, culminating in the energy crunch that led the country to revert to being a net importer of gas. The crisis came hand in hand with a spiraling economy, but Sutherland sees a solution in the same combination. “The answer clearly lies in diversifying and properly monetizing Egypt’s energy mix,” Sutherland says, pointing to the country’s vast resource pool — including hydrocarbon deposits, offshore gas fields, solar and wind energy, and waste. “In addition to adding energy resource options to its portfolio, the renewable sector offers a significant avenue for job creation,” and could help Egypt “[clean] up its own backyard by reducing pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.