Massader Company, PIF investment arm in the Energy and Infrastructure sector, and the North Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) signed an agreement to establish “Nour Al Shamal” PV solar plant near the town of Safareen in the Tulkarem governorate. The agreement comes as part of the implementation of the MOU signed earlier between the two parties with the purpose of partnership to establish solar energy project, with a total production capacity of 20 MW.

The signing ceremony took place today at the headquarters of the general management of NEDCO in Nablus. Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Chairperson of PIF Board of Directors, Engineer Eyad Khalah, Chairperson of NEDCO’s Board of Directors, Engineer As’aad Sawalmeh, NEDCO Director General, Ms. Lana Abu Hijleh, Chairperson of Massader Board of Directors, Mr. Fadi Dweik, PIF Director Genera, Mr. Azem Bishara, CEO OF Massader, several members of NEDCO’s Board of Directors and managers of departments and branches, and a delegation from PIF attended the ceremony.

“Nour Al Shamal” solar energy plan will be built over an area of 55 dunums with a production capacity of 5MW as a first phase. The plant will provide NEDCO with a renewable source of electricity that meets part of the needs of consumers. The plant will be the second of its kind to be developed in north of Palestine after “Nour Jenin” plant that was established by Massader over an area of 60 dunums and a production capacity of 5MW in the Jenin governorate. The ownership of Nour Jenin plant was transferred to NEDCO for the interest of municipalities within the company’s concession areas.

Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Chairman of PIF Board of Directors, said that the agreement comes as a continuation of the partnership and cooperation with NEDCO. “Nour Al Shamal” plant is the first project under this partnership. It is also part of PIF strategy for impact investment, aiming at concentrating investments in productive high value-added sectors. One of the most important such sectors is the energy sector in terms of both traditional and renewable energy.”

Mustafa added : “ this plant is part of the Nour Palestine program that PIF is implementing. The program seeks to produce 200MW of electricity from solar energy, i.e. the equivalent of 17% of Palestine’s electricity needs. The Nour Jericho plan was built with a production capacity of 7.5 MW, while the Nour Jenn plan has a production capacity of 5 MW, in addition to the solar energy program on the rooftops of 500 public schools seeking to produce 35 MW.”

From his side, Engineer Eyad Khalaf, Chairman of NEDCO’s Board of Directors, said: “we are proud of our partnership with PIF in terms of solar energy projects. This project comes under the company’s vision to meet the increasing demand for electricity, provide an additional clean source of energy, and overcome obstacles to serve the best interest of citizens and the company alike.” He added that these development projects lead to real independence in line with the Palestinian vision in this regard, and contribute towards realizing sustainable development for the local economy.
Khalaf also said: “this project serves part of the company’s objectives aiming at providing best quality electricity services to the citizens. The Nour Al Shamal plan is the fruit of the partnership with PIF. The company seeks to strengthen its relations with the various institutions to upgrade the level of services provided, which would serve the interest of citizens and the energy sector in general.”

In his turn, Engineer As’aad Swalmeh, General Manager, expressed happiness over the signing of the agreement with PIF and its subsidiary companies, that strengthens the strategic cooperation between the two sides to serve the best interest of the society and the local economy.
He added that NEDCO has become one of the top distribution companies by owning the largest electricity capacity through solar energy: NEDCO owns the plant in Kafr Dan in Jenin governorate with a production capacity of 5 MW and this plant that would provide 5MW for the western area of Nablus, whereby the benefits of this project will go to the partner municipalities that own the company similar to the Kafr Dan project.

Swalmeh also added that NEDCO is keen on developing and expanding this aspect to serve the best interest of the company and diversify energy resources in order to sustain electricity supplies for users especially with the increase in the demand for electricity. This is also aligned with the Palestinian government’s vision to find alternative energy resources and achieve gradual self-reliance in terms of electricity.

In her turn, Ms. Lana Abu Hijleh, Chairwoman of Massader Board of Directors, said: “ Massader is implement a number of projects under the Nour Palestine program, including Nour Al Shamal plant that will be implemented in partnership with NEDCO. These projects come under PIF’s vision to contribute towards providing energy security for Palestine, developing the sector of renewable energy, in addition to protecting the Palestinian environment, building the capacity of Palestinian youth, enhancing their skills in establishing and managing solar energy projects.”

PIF had announced earlier that the solar energy program on the rooftops of schools implemented by Masader in partnership with the Ministry of Education and electricity distribution companies, had won the UN Climate Award, a prestigious award granted by the UNCCC since 2011. According to UNCCC, the award expresses recognition and appreciation of the best international models in terms of creativity and scale in the climate field.