MAS Launches Renewable Energy Transition Project in Palestine
Press Release
MAS Launches Renewable Energy Transition Project in Palestine
Ramallah, Wednesday, June 5, 2024: Today, the Palestinian Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) launched the Renewable Energy Transition Project in Palestine at its headquarters, in the presence of experts and media representatives.
The session was opened by Mr. Mohammad Nasser, Head of Communications and Media at MAS, who emphasized the importance of this research initiative, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Nasser stated, "We firmly believe that accelerating the transition to renewable energy is not only a strategic national goal but also an urgent necessity imposed by the realities of war in Gaza. The conflict has demonstrated the severe risks of relying on Israeli electricity imports and large-scale power plants that can be easily targeted. This necessitates an immediate shift towards energy self-sufficiency through renewable sources."
Dr. Yasser Al-Khalidi, the lead researcher on the project, presented an overview of the initiative, stating that this initial meeting marks the official start of the project. The primary objective is to develop clear policy recommendations that will support Palestine’s transition to renewable energy. The project will build on previous MAS research and will involve in-depth consultations with key stakeholders and regulatory authorities in the energy sector.
Al-Khalidi highlighted that Palestine currently depends on Israeli electricity imports for more than 87% of its energy needs, which perpetuates dependency on the occupation and hinders local development. To counter this, he stressed the need for collaboration across all relevant entities to advance the sector through regulatory frameworks, strategic policies, and national goals aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing electricity imports by 50% by 2023.
Despite the potential of the renewable energy sector, Al-Khalidi acknowledged significant challenges due to the geopolitical landscape. He called for better governance of the energy sector, outlining short-term priorities such as closing existing energy gaps, while medium- and long-term goals should focus on establishing a resilient energy infrastructure. Key recommendations include increasing the share of renewable energy, addressing financial constraints, reforming net metering policies, and implementing tailored strategies for the Gaza Strip. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of targeting industrial, commercial, and residential sectors to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Attendees unanimously agreed on the importance of this initiative, acknowledging the many obstacles hindering investment in the sector. They emphasized the need for collective efforts to develop this vital industry, recognizing it as a strategic priority. Furthermore, they urged Palestinian authorities to take the lead in supporting the renewable energy sector and removing barriers to investment.