Energy, Resilience, and Results: A Public–Private Solar Partnership in Palestine “A Brief Report From the Field”

Abstract

ABSTRACT Palestine's chronic energy insecurity, marked by high import dependency and structural fragmentation, poses major development challenges. In response, the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF) launched the Noor Palestine Solar Program, a public–private initiative aiming to install 200 Megawatts (MW) of solar capacity over 8 years, through utility parks and public‐school rooftops. This brief report draws on field‐based data to document the program's design, financing, and implementation. It highlights how the program mobilized concessional and private capital, navigated political and institutional constraints, and delivered measurable energy, fiscal, and educational outcomes. By late 2024, Noor had generated over 165 million kilowatt‐hours (kWh) of clean energy, saving nearly 70 million Israeli shekels (ILS) in imports. Key success factors included regulatory alignment, decentralized systems, blended finance, and flexible delivery. The program provides practical insights into how innovative energy infrastructure can be leveraged to strengthen service delivery and promote resilience and development in fragile settings.