Power Grid

Solar energy in Palestine is making substantial strides towards achieving its renewable energy goals, positioning the country on track to meet its 2030 objectives. The Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority recently issued its first license for solar power generation with storage to "Next Era" company, marking a significant milestone in the nation's energy sector.

This development was highlighted by a statement from the Washington-based Specialized Energy Platform, emphasizing the progress being made toward greater sustainability.

The new solar power plant, located in Tubas Governorate, boasts a production capacity of 5.36 MW and a storage capacity of 12.2 MWh per day. This project is intended to serve as a model for renewable energy investment, incorporating storage technology that ensures the efficient use of generated power without compromising grid stability.

The integration of storage will help manage energy flow during peak demand periods, improving overall grid efficiency and supporting Palestine's efforts to achieve greater energy independence and reduce reliance on imported electricity.

Palestinian energy officials are hopeful that the project will be completed on time and serve as an example for future investments in the sector. Eng. Ayman Ismail, Acting Head of the Energy and Natural Resources Authority, expressed optimism that this initiative will attract more investors.

The developer, Hanna Gideon, also confirmed that the project would be completed within six months, demonstrating the seriousness of the commitment to achieving ambitious energy goals. This solar project is part of a broader effort to increase the region's renewable energy capacity, which reached 300 MW in the West Bank by December 2024, contributing 5% of Palestine's electricity consumption.

Despite the progress, there are several challenges facing solar energy development in Palestine. Limited available land for project construction, especially in Area C under full Israel control, along with restrictions on importing renewable energy equipment, hinder further expansion. However, the Palestinian government has been working to strengthen the regulatory framework, having passed key legislation such as the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law in 2015.

The country aims to reduce its dependency on imported electricity, which currently accounts for about 87% of consumption, with a goal to cut imports by 50% by 2030. Continued investment in solar energy is expected to reduce the financial burden of electricity imports, while strengthening the nation's energy security and contributing to its long-term sustainability goals.