LocationsUNDP and Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO) reinforce partnership to drive renewable energy transformation in East Jerusalem
October 5, 2023
During the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a continuation of a strategic cooperation, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and skilling interventions
East Jerusalem - The United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) and the Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a continuation of a strategic cooperation, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and skilling interventions.
This MoU is part of the GO SOLAR- Renewable Energy Investments at Education in East Jerusalem project, funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by UNDP/PAPP. The project encompasses the installation of solar systems on the rooftops and external spaces of 15 schools, deployment of energy efficiency and development of a business model. Through this effort, the projects aims to utilization generated resources for the targeted institutions, seeking to foster self-reliance and sustainability while transforming the schools into conducive and friendly learning environments.
Working closely with local institutions, the Awqaf General Department and Jerusalem Directorate of Education, JDECO plays a pivotal role in facilitating and guiding the implementation of the project interventions and providing technical backstopping.
As part of the MoU, UNDP/PAPP and JDECO are joining forces to promote technical education, skilling and vocational training, with a focus on renewable energy, electricity installations and smart building technologies. This effort will address education to employment nexus, to foster mentorship and apprenticeship programmes for youth, and enhance their market-driven skills and knowledge in energy-related fields for a sustainable future.
UNDP/PAPP Special Representative, Sarah Poole, recognised the strong partnership with JDECO in offering reliable electricity sources in Palestine, within its jurisdiction, and commended JDECO, in line with the national efforts, for its concrete actions towards encouraging the transition to green and solar energies which will contribute to having a positive impact on the Palestinians for sustainable energy future. Ms. Poole expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the strategic partnership with the Government of Norway in advancing the socio-economic resilience trajectory in Palestine, and its generous contribution to support the public schools’ access to solar energy in East Jerusalem. Additionally, Ms. Poole welcomed the efforts of the national partners for reinforcing the transition towards green and renewable energy, which under this initiative significantly contributes to, and strengthens, the schools’ resilience and self-reliance.
On behalf of Norway Representative Office, Ms. Tanja Ustvedt commended the signing of the MoU between UNDP and JDECO as part of the overarching vision of the GO SOLAR- Renewable Energy Investments at Education in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, Ms. Ustvedt emphasized Norway’s longstanding support for Palestine's energy system and expressed deep appreciation for the partners' invaluable role in facilitating and supporting the implementation of the project.
Hisham Al Omari, JDECO Board Director and General Manager provided a brief about major challenges facing JDECO’s work, and emphasized the importance of solar energy generation for reducing the dependency on imported electricity, appreciating the focus on these organizations and facilities that are providing essential services to the Jerusalemites.
For further information, please contact:
Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761. For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org