The European Union (EU) has commissioned a 0.5 MW solar power system in Gaza Strip. This tiny solar system is the biggest PV field in Gaza, and on a daily basis will provide clean power to Southern Gaza Desalianation Plant. Currently, the water plant provides clean drinking water to 75,000 people in Khan Younis and Rafah governorates. By 2020, through the plant funded by the EU, 250,000 people in Southern Gaza should be able to access clean water.
At least 97% of water available in Gaza Strip is unsuitable for human consumption. The conflict prone region with Israel and Palestine forces at loggerheads here, faces major water scarcity.
"Limited energy supplies in Gaza are one of the main challenges when improving access to safe and drinkable water to the local population. The photovoltaic solar field is essential to respond to the urgent water needs in Gaza and create dignified living conditions for its people, thus mitigating tensions in a highly conflict sensitive area," said EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.
With a focus on the Gaza Strip, the EU is investing in long-term water infrastructure across Palestine. It plans to launch more projects here that aim at improving the quality of and access to clean water, energy and sanitation services for the denizens of Gaza Strip.
In August 2017, Gaza launched a $2.5 million solar roof pilot program with funding from the World Bank to install PV systems of 1 kW each on more than 1,000 homes (see World Bank Supports PV Program In Palestine).