Ramallah: Under the Energy Security Plan (2025-2027), the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at boosting local energy production, developing electricity infrastructure, preparing for the reconstruction of Gaza's electricity sector, and advancing institutional and legislative reforms to improve sector efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader goal to enhance energy security and independence, with a target to increase the share of renewable energy sources to approximately 30% of the Palestinian energy mix by 2030. This shift is expected to reduce reliance on external energy sources, thereby enhancing sustainability and security of energy supplies.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, a report issued by the Government Communication Center and based on data from PENRA reveals significant progress in the energy sector. The licensing of 85 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 126 MW now serves approximately 40,000 households, with most installations equipped with energy storage systems. As part of the "Shamsi Palestine" program, PENRA has enabled 10 municipalities to establish and manage solar power plants, collectively meeting the energy needs of around 3,500 households. The plan aims to include 80 municipalities by 2030.
PENRA is further planning to establish a 20 MW solar power plant in Rammun and Deir Dibwan, which will have a 55 MWh storage capacity, benefiting approximately 6,300 households and facilities. Additionally, a revolving fund has been launched to support solar energy projects for households and small to medium-sized enterprises, aiding 250 entities so far. The Large-Scale Solar Program (LSAPS) has also been initiated to support competitive investment in solar energy, with a capacity of approximately 20 MW, aimed at serving over 6,300 households.
In the education and health sectors, efforts include equipping 80 more schools with solar systems, adding to the over 800 schools already using clean energy. Six hospitals have been outfitted with solar systems, and ongoing work aims to supply 13 government hospitals and 23 clinics with solar and storage systems. PENRA has also funded large-scale battery energy storage systems for Tubas District Electricity Company and Tulkarm Municipality, sufficient to meet the needs of over 6,000 households and facilities.
The chronic electricity crisis in Tulkarm Governorate, ongoing since 2013, was addressed by adding a third electricity supply line, boosting the governorate's capacity to approximately 50 MW and enhancing grid stability.
In terms of infrastructure development, approximately 60% of solar energy projects were executed in the past two years under the current government. PENRA has started constructing an electricity transmission line between Tubas and Nablus to enhance grid efficiency. Alongside this, five main substations were designed, and medium-voltage networks in several governorates were expanded and rehabilitated.
Moreover, PENRA has supplied 146,000 smart meters to electricity distribution companies to curb losses and regulate consumption. The ongoing development of the 265 MW Jenin Power Plant project is expected to meet about 25% of the West Bank's electricity needs. Efforts to expand electricity interconnections with Jordan to 160 MW are underway, with studies for a 400 kV interconnection completed. The National Plan for Enhancing Power System Resilience was adopted, planning for new transmission corridors and increased energy storage capacity.
Readiness to reconstruct Gaza's electricity sector is prioritized, with technical plans prepared and USD 29 million worth of electrical equipment procured in preparation for restoring power to vital facilities. International financing and grants are actively being mobilized to support renewable energy initiatives and modernize networks.
Institutional and legislative reforms have been a focus, with the government settling electricity debts, developing a new tariff methodology, and preparing a draft unified energy law. Updates to the net-billing system for solar projects and a comprehensive institutional review of electricity-sector bodies have been launched. The strategic framework for 2025-2030 includes the National Energy Strategy, Renewable Energy Plan, and Energy Consumption Rationalization Plan.