Solar Electrification in Gaza

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Solar Electrification in Gaza

September 7, 2019

The energy crisis affecting the Gaza strip in recent years has had a significant impact on the delivery of a wide array of critical services, including in the health sector. Operating the electricity grid and diesel generators at rationed hours has created a dependency on fuel within the health system. In this context, over the past decade renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic technology, has emerged as a suitable and reliable alternative source of power. Nevertheless, in light of the lack of a comprehensive assessment of the potential capacity for, and feasibility of, the solar electrification required as part of a successful energy transition, the WHO, UNDP and the Ministry of Health commissioned a team to assess the Gaza health system’s potential for transitioning to renewable energy. The assessment was conducted over the October 2018-May 2019 period, and the team’s findings and recommendations are outlined in the below highlights.

The electricity crisis has had devastating consequences on the delivery of critical basis services, particularly in the areas of health, education, and water and sanitation in Gaza. While the international community has stepped in to provide funding for fuel to run generators, this is unsustainable from the environmental as well as financial perspectives. In terms of the health sector, operating the electricity grid and diesel generators at rationed hours has created a dependency on fuel within the health system. In this context, over the past decade renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic technology, has emerged as a suitable and reliable alternative source of power. Nevertheless, in light of the lack of a comprehensive assessment of the potential capacity for, and feasibility of, the solar electrification required as part of a successful energy transition, the WHO, UNDP and the Ministry of Health commissioned a team to assess the Gaza health system’s potential for transitioning to renewable energy. The assessment was conducted over the October 2018-May 2019 period, and the team’s findings and recommendations are outlined in the report.