Public Pledge for 100% Renewable Energy
An-Najah’s Commitment to Palestine Renewable Future
An-Najah National University stands among the leading Palestinian institutions publicly pledging to achieve a 100 % transition to renewable energy sources. Through this commitment, the University aims not only to decarbonize its own operations but also to mobilize communities, municipalities, and industries toward a national renewable-energy transition.
This pledge is an extension of An-Najah’s Net Zero Carbon 2028 Commitment and the University’s recognition that academic institutions have a moral and scientific responsibility to advocate for sustainable energy transformation across society.
Community Advocacy and Public Engagement
An-Najah continuously promotes public awareness and advocacy through:
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National Workshops and Public Dialogues: In partnership with the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA), the University organizes policy dialogues and awareness meetings on renewable energy systems, energy audits, and carbon reduction measures.
– Example: National Conference on Renewable Energy 2024 -
Youth and Community Campaigns: Students and researchers from the Energy, Environment, and Climate Change Research Unit lead outreach programs in local schools and municipalities, promoting solar adoption and efficiency in community buildings.
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Public Endorsement and Declarations: During the 2024 Green Campus and Renewable Energy Week, the University formally reiterated its public pledge to achieve 100 % renewable energy and invited community stakeholders to co-sign the declaration.
Partnerships Beyond Campus
Through collaboration with governmental and private-sector partners, the University promotes renewable-energy adoption in broader society:
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Municipal Energy Transition Programs – joint projects with the Nablus Municipality on solar street-lighting and smart-grid expansion.
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Industry Collaboration – advisory support to factories through An-Najah Consultancy and Technical Studies Office to integrate energy-efficiency systems.
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Regional Platforms – participation in regional initiatives such as MENA Sustainability Alliance and Erasmus+ for climate and energy education.
Public Awareness Events and Dialogues
An-Najah’s advocacy is reinforced through open events and media campaigns:
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Public Lecture Series 2024: “Towards a 100 % Renewable Palestine” hosted by the Faculty of Engineering.
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Round-Table with Policymakers 2024: Energy roadmap discussions co-organized with PENRA and Ministry of Local Government.
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Community News Feature: An-Najah conducts research in collaboration with Al-Amour Industrial Company showcasing renewable-energy research in the industrial sector.
Recent Highlights & Evidence of Advocacy
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An-Najah University Shares Best Practices for Energy Efficiency
As part of the MED-EcoSure project, the University published a report outlining its strategies for improving energy efficiency in Palestinian higher-education buildings. This demonstrates the institution’s role in disseminating knowledge beyond campus.
Read more → An-Najah University Shares Best Practices -
Success Story: Photovoltaic Plants at An-Najah
The Energy Research Center at An-Najah detailed their experience installing photovoltaic (solar) systems across campus, showcasing technical know-how and institutional commitment to renewable energy.
Read more → Energy Research Center Shares Success Story -
Leadership in Sustainability & Green Practices
An earlier institutional news article highlighted An-Najah’s broader leadership in sustainability — promoting clean and green initiatives within the university and in the community at large.
Read more → An-Najah University Takes Leadership Role in Advancing Sustainability
MED-EcoSure: Paving the Path for Net-Zero Buildings in Palestine
The MED-EcoSure (Mediterranean Energy Efficiency & Sustainability) initiative is a European-funded transnational project. A feature article on its site describes how the program is advancing net-zero carbon buildings in Palestine and mentions the contributions and lessons from partner institutions like An-Najah.
Read more → Med-EcoSure Paves Path for Net-Zero Carbon Buildings in Palestine
Examples of Renewable Energy Sources at An-Najah National University
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Solar Water Heating System – Faculty of Physical Education
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Rooftop Solar PV Power Plant – Faculty of Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine
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Ground-mounted Solar PV Plant – Nasaria Farm
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Hybrid PV System – An-Najah Hospital
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Solar Carport System – Faculty of Arts (South Garage)
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Solar Power Tree – New Campus
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Biogas Unit – Faculty of Agriculture
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Clean Biomass (Agricultural residues for heating greenhouses)
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Biodiesel Production (Used cooking oils & plant residues)
Description
An-Najah National University (ANNU) is a pioneer in Palestine in adopting renewable energy solutions to reduce dependence on the Israeli grid, cut costs, and promote sustainability. Due to high electricity prices and frequent blackouts, ANNU has strategically invested in renewable energy projects across its campuses.
1. Solar Power (PV & Thermal)
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Solar Water Heating (SWH):
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On the roof of the Sport Complex, a solar water heating system is installed with a capacity of 481,800 kWh/year. for producing hot water preheat of the swimming pool since 2012.
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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (Implemented + Planned, counted as operational):
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41 kWp – Faculty of Pharmacy (2016)
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80 kWp – Faculty of Engineering (2018)
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997 kWp – Ground-mounted PV, Nasaria Farm (2020)
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145 kWp – Old Campus (2021)
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50 kWp – PV Carport, College of Arts South Garage (2022)
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3.18 kWp – Off-grid Solar Tree, New Campus (2022)
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77.8 kWp – College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Tulkarem (2022–2023)
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105 kWp – Hisham Hijjawi Technical College (2022–2023)
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50 kWp – PV Pumping, Nasaria Farm (2024)
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2 MWp Ground-mounted PV – 4 stages, 500 kWp each (2025–2027) – next year
Total Solar Capacity: ~2.9 MWp
Annual Production: ~ 2,960,168 kWh/year
2. Clean Biomass - Biogas (Faculty of Agriculture)
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Agricultural residues and pruning waste from university farms are used as biomass fuel for heating greenhouses and experimental labs.
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Biogas digester to convert animal manure and cafeteria organic waste into renewable gas and fertilizer.
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Estimated annual energy equivalent: ~210,000 kWh/year.
3. Biodiesel
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Used Cooking Oil Recycling: Unit to process used oils from cafeterias for biodiesel, applied in heating systems at animal production farms (Veterinary Medicine & Agriculture).
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Estimated contribution: ~120,000 kWh/year.
4. Wind Power
ANNU is investing in 30,000 kWh/year - small-scale wind power systems to supply energy for critical research infrastructure:
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Faculty of Shari’a Building: Installation of small vertical-axis wind turbines to partially power lighting and equipment, reducing grid dependency.
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Remote Monitoring Stations: Wind turbines deployed in Hebron and Tubas at seismic and environmental monitoring stations to ensure uninterrupted operation of sensors and data loggers during grid outages.
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These systems are hybridized with existing solar setups to maximize uptime and reliability in off-grid areas.
Total Renewable Energy Contribution
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Solar PV & Thermal: ~ 2,960,168 kWh/year
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Clean Biomass: ~210,000 kWh/year
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Biodiesel: ~120,000 kWh/year
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Wind Power: ~30,000 kWh/year
Total Renewable Energy: ~ 3,320,168 kWh/year
Additional evidence link: