RAMALLAH, Sept 7 (Bernama-WAFA) -- Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) has implemented package of measures under the Energy Security Plan 2025-2027 to boost local energy production, strengthen electricity infrastructure and prepare for the reconstruction of Gaza's electricity sector.
The plan aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources to approximately 30 per cent of the Palestinian energy mix by 2030, thereby reducing dependence on external energy sources and enhancing the sustainability and security of energy supplies, Palestinian News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported.
About 60 per cent of solar energy projects were implemented during the past two years under the 19th Government.
According to a report issued by the Government Communication Centre based on PENRA data, 85 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 126 megawatts (MW) have been licensed, serving approximately 40,000 households, most are equipped with energy storage systems.
PENRA also launched the first phase of the “Shamsi Palestine” programme, enabling 10 municipalities: Al-Dhahiriya, Bani Na'im, Abda and Imreish, Bani Zaid al-Gharbiya, Qaryut, Jama'in, Kafr Zibad, Madama, Asira al-Shamaliya, and Ya'bad, to establish and own solar power plants with sufficient combined capacity to meet the needs of approximately 3,500 households which aims to involve 80 municipalities by 2030.
PENRA is also preparing to establish a 20 MW solar power plant in Rammun and Deir Dibwan, with 55 MWh of storage capacity, to meet the needs of approximately 6,300 households and facilities.
In addition, it launched a revolving fund to support solar energy projects for households and small and medium-sized enterprises, benefiting 250 entities to date.
PENRA also launched the Large-Scale Solar Programme (LSAPS), a support and payment systems programme for competitive investment in solar energy, with a capacity of approximately 20 MW and energy storage systems, sufficient to serve more than 6,300 households.
In the education and health sectors, PENRA began equipping 80 additional schools with solar energy systems, supplementing the more than 800 schools already powered by clean energy.
Six hospitals have also been equipped with solar energy systems, while work is underway to provide 13 government hospitals and 23 clinics with solar energy and storage systems.
PENRA also supported the Tubas District Electricity Company and Tulkarm Municipality by financing the installation of large-scale battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 35 MWh, sufficient to meet the needs of more than 6,000 households and facilities.
The chronic electricity crisis in Tulkarm Governorate, which had persisted since 2013, was also resolved by adding a third electricity supply line with a capacity of approximately 10 MW.
This increased the governorate's available capacity to approximately 50 MW, strengthening grid stability and reducing power outages.
To complement efforts to enhance local energy production, PENRA worked to develop electricity infrastructure in line with the expansion of renewable energy projects and to increase the grid's capacity to absorb and distribute their output.
PENRA has also begun constructing an electricity transmission line between Tubas and Nablus to improve grid efficiency and distribute surplus generation from solar energy projects.
Five main substations were also designed in Atara, Jericho, Al-Za'im, Tulkarm and Hebron, alongside the expansion and rehabilitation of medium-voltage networks in several governorates.
PENRA supplied electricity distribution companies with 146,000 smart meters to help reduce losses and regulate consumption.
It is also continuing to develop the 265 MW Jenin Power Plant project, which, once implemented, will provide approximately 25 per cent of the West Bank's electricity needs.
PENRA is also working to expand the electricity interconnection with Jordan to 160 MW and complete studies for a 400 kV interconnection.
In parallel, the National Plan for Enhancing Power System Resilience was adopted, providing for the construction of new 33 kV transmission corridors and increased energy storage capacity.
Regarding Gaza, PENRA has prepared technical plans for the priority reconstruction of its electricity sector.
It also procured electrical equipment valued at US$29 million in preparation for restoring power to vital facilities in the Gaza Strip as soon as the equipment can be brought in.
PENRA is also working to mobilise international financing and grants to support renewable energy projects and modernise electricity networks.
The government also adopted three principal plans within the strategic framework for 2025-2030: the National Energy Strategy (2025-2027), the Renewable Energy Plan (2025-2030), and the Energy Consumption Rationalisation Plan (2025-2030).
-- BERNAMA-WAFA