The PIF and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) inaugurated the “Noor Jenin” PV Solar Plant that was developed by PIF through Massader with at an operating capacity of 5MW. The plant covers an area of approximately 60 dunums in Kufr Dan in the Jenin governorate. The agreement to sell the solar park to NEDCO was signed for the direct benefit of the municipalities in the company’s jurisdiction.

“Noor Jenin” PV Solar Plant is one of PIF’s projects in the sector of energy, particularly as part of “Noor Palestine” Solar Energy Program that aims to generate 200MW of electricity from solar energy. The program includes several projects, including “Noor Jenin” and “Noor Jericho” PV solar plans and the Schools’ Solar Rooftop project involving 500 public schools.

Dr. Mohammad Mustaf, Chairman of PIF Board of Directors, said: “PIF is leading an impact investment program that includes a diversified portfolio of strategic economic sectors. PIF focuses its investments in productive sectors, particularly traditional and renewable energy sector. PIF launched “Noor Palestine” program to contribute towards reducing the electricity bill since Palestine imports more than 90% of its electricity needs.”

Dr. Mustafa added : “despite the major challenges that our country is facing, yet today, we are proud of the completion of works and opening of “Noor Jenin” PV Solar Plant. “Noor Jenin” will help diversify energy sources for our Palestinian people, with several Palestinian municipalities scheduled to benefit from its production.”

In his turn, Major General Akram Rjoob, Governor of Jenin, said: “our country if facing these days a difficult political, economic, and health phase. However, we are proud of achievements made by our Palestinian institutions such as PIF that managed to achieve several successes. PIF contributed, through Public-Private sector partnerships, to the revitalization of several economic sectors PIF efforts focused on developing our economy, and the implementation of programs and projects that seek first and foremost to improve the living conditions for Palestinian citizens. We congratulate NEDCO for this important step that will contribute towards the strengthening of municipalities’ capacities, for the benefit of the citizens and the state treasury.”

Engineer Mohammad Shunnar, Chairman of NECO’s Board of Directors, said that the signing of the agreement to buy Noor Jenin solar plant represents one of the first important and strategic steps that NEDCO is taking in its  supplying a diversified energy resources to serve municipalities and users. Shunnar added “NECO is a public shareholder limited company for member municipalities. Thus the returns and revenues of this plan and all investment development projects will be geared towards the municipalities to help them strengthen their steadfastness, and empower them to provide services to the citizens. Shunnar pointed out that the company will seek, in the coming phase, to strengthen its resources with the aim of promoting the Palestinian electricity sector in line with the Palestinian government’s policies that accord great attention to this field. Shunnar stressed that the Company is developing a comprehensive integrated and multi-track plan that will be completed and ready during the next phase.”

Shunnar added “we highly appreciate PIF’s efforts to implement solar energy projects and the opening of Noor Jenin is part of these efforts that we fully support. The solar plant will provide additional electricity supplies for the municipalities under the area of our operation. This overlaps with our efforts to provide high quality services for reasonable prices.”

In his turn, Engineer As’ad Swalmeh, NEDCO General Manager, presented the technical and financial aspects that Noor Jenin will achieve. He explained that the company is upgrading its connection points according to the applicable specifications and standards to connect all electricity points under control systems that allow the optimal use of energy and its proper distribution to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity supply to the clients.

Swalmeh said that the plan will strengthen electricity supplies in Jenin and will help meet the growing demand due to the industrial developments witnessed in the area. This in turn will encourage all sorts of investments. This plant is one in a series of solar energy plants that will serve eventually member municipalities and entities.

Swalmeh thanked the joining local councils for their cooperation and responsible support for the company through the ongoing follow up on the company’s operations, the last of which was the completion of an assessment of the municipalities’ assets according to the latest specifications and standards.

Ms. Lana Abu Hijlleh, Chairman of Massader Board of Directors explained that “Noor Jenin plant is one of the most important projects implemented by Massader. She added “these projects come as part of PIF’s development vision aiming at developing the renewable energy sector, environmental protection, creation of job opportunities, and building the capacities of young Palestinians to engage and contribute towards the development of the various economic and service sectors. Massader has focused on engaging the largest number possible of Palestinian companies in this project to strengthen competitiveness, transfer knowledge, and develop the skills of engineers and technicians working within the solar energy sector, as part of PIF’s strategy to strengthen the role and potentials of the Palestinian private sector.”

Azem Bishara, Massader CEO, explained that “the operation capacity of Noor Jenin plant is 5 MW. It consists of approximately 13,500 solar panels built over an area of approximately 60 dunums. Massader had implemented previously the Noor Jericho solar plant near Nuweimeh at an operation capacity of 7.5MW. The station was sold to the National Bank, Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company, and Istishari Arab Hospital. Massader continues to implement solar energy program on the rooftops of 500 public schools. Work has been completed in 32 schools as a first phase. Preparations were underway to implement the second phase to include 120 schools.” Bishara thanked all partners and stakeholders, particularly the Mayor and members of the Municipal council of Kufr Dan as well as the local community for their significant and close cooperation that contributed towards the overall efforts to complete this national project.