Qudra Powers Progress: Transforming Palestinian Communities with Affordable Solar Energy

Amid political and economic turbulence, Qudra stands as a promising force for renewable energy in Palestine. Established through a partnership between the Bank of Palestine and the National Aluminum and Profiles Company (NAPCO), Qudra emerged to tackle a critical challenge: skyrocketing electricity costs that hinder industries like aluminum manufacturing. Guided by General Manager Abdelrahman Hijawi, the company is making significant progress in delivering sustainable and affordable energy to Palestinian businesses and communities, with the ambition of reshaping the local energy landscape. Hijawi shared, “Energy is our second-largest cost after raw materials, and in Palestine, it poses a major challenge to manufacturing.” 

Qudra was born from necessity. High electricity costs undermined NAPCO’s ability to compete with cheaper imports, highlighting the need for an innovative solution. By tapping into Palestine’s solar energy potential, Qudra is not only reducing costs but also paving the way for energy self-sufficiency in a region heavily dependent on imports. Qudra’s impact reaches far beyond individual clients, transforming communities by providing access to affordable, sustainable electricity. Notable among its projects is the Deir Abu Mishal 8.25 MW solar plant—the largest utility-scale solar installation in Palestine—which powers four villages northwest of Ramallah with cost-effective, renewable energy. Similarly, the Jammala 7.5 MW solar plant has strengthened agricultural infrastructure by supporting water aquifers and enhancing electrical networks in neighboring villages. “We’re so confident in our model that we collect payments only as we generate power, without adding any liabilities to the client,” Hijawi added. 

Operating in Palestine comes with significant challenges, from securing financing to navigating the region’s political and economic instability. Yet, Qudra has risen to the occasion, investing over $20 million in solar projects and delivering electricity at less than half the cost of imported alternatives. This resilience underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy, even in the face of adversity. Hijawi concluded by noting “Palestinians urgently need electricity, but they face significant bottlenecks. Qudra provides solutions to these challenges.”