The Energy Research Center of An-Najah National University celebrated today in cooperation with SEBA, Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, and Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem, the opening of Atouf Electrification Project through Solar Cells.  The project was conducted by the Center in cooperation of SEBA, with the support of Spanish Cooperation, and a contribution from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).  The celebration took place at the Primary School of Atouf Village, which is located 6 kms to the east of Tamoun in Tubas Governorate.  The Village has a population of about 200 inhabitants.

The ceremony was attended by the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem, Mr. Ramón Ansoain, Mr. Josep Maria, President of SEBA, Dr. Sami Mussalam, Governor of Tubas, Dr. Muhammad Hannon, Vice University's President for Community Affairs, Dr. Imad Ibrik, Director of the Energy Research Center at the University, Mr. Abdullah Bisharat, Head of Atouf Village Council, and officials and representatives of local community institutions from Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, Ramallah and Bethlehem as well as media representatives.

The project included electrification of the Village through an integrative hygiene system that contains solar cells, diesel generator and storage batteries.  The system provides the Village with the basic needs of energy through a system that protects the environment.  It also includes the electrification of streets, which contributes to improving the quality of life for people in the village with a 24 hours supply under the joint administration of the inhabitants of the village and those in charge of the project. 

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mussalam thanked An-Najah National University, the government and people of Spain, SEBA, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for the their great efforts to carry out the project in Atouf.

The Spanish Consul General talked about the benefits of the project for the citizens of Atouf and changes in social life that the project has brought.  He added that this project which was funded by SEBA, and implemented through An-Najah National University, represented by the Energy Research Center, and in coordination with SEBA and the ICRC, has all positive effect on people's life in the Village.  He thanked those in charge of the project and congratulated the people of Atouf Village with the official operation of the system.

Mr. Josep Maria, President of SEBA, thanked all partners in implementing the project using renewable energy.  He pointed out to many projects of the same model were conducted around the world, and thanked Spanish Cooperation for funding the project, and the citizens of Atouf for their cooperation. 

Dr. Ibrik thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project. He pointed out that ever since the village of Atouf has electricity, and that would have been impossible without the renewable energy and specially the solar energy in supplying the village with electricity.  He also talked about the coordination between the Center and the official authorities through implementing the program of electrification of remote villages. He also thanked the Spanish government for its continuous support through SEBA and An-Najah National University for their infinite support and continuous encouragement for the project.

In the final remarks, Head of Atouf Village Council, thanked An-Najah National University, SEBA and the Spanish Government for their support which contributed to the positives changes in life in the village. He added that people now can use TVs, computers and other electric sets that will facilitate their life, especially under the hard conditions that the village is going through.  At the end of the opening ceremony, the participants went on a tour around the project.