Renewable energy sources in Gaza’s WASH sector for public and private WASH facilities

The Gaza Strip is a densely populated area with limited water and power resources. The groundwater aquifer is the only available source, with a deficit of 145 million cubic metres per year between demand and supply. Consequently, the quality of the aquifer has deteriorated and water desalination plants are being constructed. The Gaza Strip currently depends on the public electricity grid and the only existing power station, plus two additional electricity sources from Egypt and Israel. These power resources provide 25–75% of the daily demand. WASH facilities face a serious problem, as diesel fuel for generators – usually used during periods of electricity shortage – is expensive and not continuously available, due to existing political and financial circumstances. Solar energy could play a significant role in ensuring a sustainable energy future and reducing future carbon emissions. This report was commissioned by Oxfam from Enfra Consultants to map all the water facilities in the Gaza Strip which have the potential to use solar energy, and to look at the feasibility of using renewable energy.