Heads of Mission and representatives from the European Union and like-minded countries, joined the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) in a field visit to renewable energy sites at Al-Auja and al-Nuway’imah near Jericho. The diplomats were briefed about the Palestinian energy initiatives and plans in Area C that are facing continuous illegal Israeli settlement expansion.

The delegation  visited sites where the Palestinian Authority plans to build three solar farms. The visit highlighted the economic opportunities and significant potential for expanding sustainable energy generation for Palestinian communities across the West Bank, stressing the crucial need for Palestinian access to land in Area C. PENRA representatives briefed the diplomats about the numerous challenges faced, including the difficulties in obtaining Israeli permits, settler violence, land acquisition issues, and settlement expansion, all of which pose substantial barriers to Palestinians’ ability to achieve their renewable and green energy objectives.

During the tour, the delegation also learned about recent developments in Israeli settlement infrastructure, specifically renewable energy sites in the Jordan Valley. They viewed the planned site for the Israeli Na’ama South project, which is planned to be built over 3,200 dunums of land in Area C of the occupied Palestinian territory making it the largest Israeli solar farm in region. In this context, the EU and partners reiterated their strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policies and activities and opposes all actions that undermine the viability of a two-state solution. The EU considers settlements illegal under international law and a barrier to peace, calling for an end to settlement expansion and legalization, including in the renewable energy sector.

“Area C in the occupied Palestinian territory holds immense potential for solar and green energy development, which is vital for the economic and environmental sustainability of Palestinian communities. The EU remains committed to supporting Palestinian renewable and sustainable energy projects in Area C, in line with its broader objective of establishing an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state,” said European Union Representative Alexandre Stutzmann.