Masader’s “Developing and Installing Solar Panels on Public Schools’ Rooftops in Palestine” project won the Middle East Solar Industry Association’s (MESIA) award for the Rooftop Solar Project of the Year. The award was presented at a Gala Ceremony held at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi which is attended by representatives and specialists of the industry from all over the world.

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIF, stated that “This award is a catalyst for PIF and a translation of our efforts into reality in the field of renewable energy through Masader, one of our subsidiary companies. PIF aims at securing energy from various sources to reduce the energy imprt; as more than 95% of power in Palestine is imported from neighboring countries. PIF also pushes towards developing an independent Palestinian energy sector to break away from economic dependence.”

MESIA is the largest solar industry association in the Middle East and North Africa region based in the United Arab Emirates. It represents more than 150 global and regional solar energy organizations and companies including investors, developers, solar technology manufacturers, consulting and law firms, legislative bodies in solar energy laws and banks. MESIA organizes this award annually after evaluating the competing projects by a group of judges specialized in renewable energy from international and regional institutions.

Mr. Azim Beshara, the Director General of Masader, said “Masader is implementing several projects and programs in the fields of traditional and renewable energy. Installing solar energy panels on public schools’ rooftops is one of the promising projects in the renewable energy sector. 500 public schools will be targeted with a total capacity of 35 megawatts over four years. Mr. Beshara added: “Masader is implementing the project in collaboration with power distribution companies and the Ministry of Education (MoE). The companies will participate in the implementation and supervision of the project, as well as purchase the electricity to be generated. MoE will use the savings resulting from reducing the electricity consumption to cover the expenses of schools and develop the educational process.”

This project is part of a larger PIF renewable energy program called “Noor Palestine” implemented by Masader. The program aims at generating 200 megawatts of electricity from solar energy over 8 years. It also includes building solar power plants in Jericho, Tubas and Jenin.