An-Najah's Energy Research Center Implements the "Solar PV Electrification in the Rural Community of Khirbet Fera’a /Hebron" Project to Enhance the Resilience of the People of Khirbet Fera’a/ Hebron
An-Najah University's Energy Research Center (ERC) in partnership with the Spanish Cooperation Agency, SEBA (non-profit organization, Spain), and UAWC (Union of Agricultural Work Committees, Palestine) recently implemented, and completed the improvement of productive systems through solar PV electrification in the rural Community of Khirbet Fera’a /Hebron Project.
The rural community of Khirbet Fera’a has large areas for agriculture and livestock (main occupation of the 80% of the local Bedouin population). The area has natural water spring located far from their houses, so they get their needs of water by filling small containers and transporting them using donkeys and this will be repeated about 3-5 times a day.
The lack of basic life services such as electricity, water, medical, and education causes population migration to cities and near villages.
In order to improve the agriculture and livestock systems in the Bedouin community of Khirbet Fera’a and, consequently, the quality of life of the inhabitants, An-Najah University's ERC in collaboration with the Spanish Cooperation Agency and co-funding from the partners involved, deployed reinforcements for water system, and introduced solar electrification, and water pumping to the area with agricultural improvements, dairy and wool production resources with the addition of new electrical inputs in the production process, or electric weaving machines as a basis for income generation for women.
In addition, the PV solar systems provided enough electricity to cover the electricity needs of production, and domestic power demand; thus, improving the quality of life and safety for the population and promoting the improvement in the environment.
