Ramallah - Ma'an - As part of the ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and develop renewable energy in Palestine, the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEEL) in the presence of the Belgian Consul General, to launch the project "Enhancing Sustainability by Enabling Adaptations in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Measures in Palestinian Local Authorities and Industries". The project, provided by a grant from the Belgian government, extends from 2024 to 2026 and targets Palestinian local government units and industrial sectors. The project aims to promote the adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in a number of local authorities and some industries, especially in the stone, marble and food sectors, thus contributing to reducing the environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. It also seeks to improve the capabilities of local authorities in implementing sustaina ble energy practices through incentive packages and training programs aimed at promoting the green economy and supporting sustainable development. The project is expected to yield several tangible results, including improving the technical expertise of PEA staff and stakeholders in the Palestinian energy sector, enhancing their ability to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The project is also expected to increase the adoption of green practices in local authorities by providing incentives to encourage the use of sustainable energy sources. In addition, the project will improve energy efficiency in industrial sectors, enhancing the competitiveness of the targeted sectors and contributing to supporting a more sustainable circular economy. For his part, the Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Authority, Eng. Zafer Melhem, expressed his thanks to the Belgian Development Agency for its support, stressing that 'the demand for electricity in Palestine is increasing at a rate of 5-7 % annually, which increases the heavy reliance on imported electricity. This reality poses major challenges in meeting our energy needs, especially with the weakness of the current infrastructure that struggles to provide electricity sustainably. Hence, the importance of enhancing our local capabilities in energy production and improving the efficiency of its consumption. Our project is an essential step towards achieving these goals by adopting energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.' In this context, Ms. Christelle Jucke, Director of the Palestine Office at the Belgian Development Agency, stressed that this initiative is dedicated to enabling local authorities and key industries in Palestine to adopt renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Jucke also explained that the agency seeks to 'reduce the environmental footprint and improve the quality of life for all Palestinians by enhancing technical expertise and encouraging green practices. This project represents an investment in energy solu tions, and is also a vital step towards building resilience and a sustainable future for our communities.' Source: Maan News Agency