The installation of solar panels at Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP) is due to start before the end of March, according to sources involved in the project.

MEED reports that the solar energy plant is the first of its kind in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and, once in place, will allow for the development of the industrial park itself.

The solar power plant has been financed by $7.2m in grant aid from Japan, provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the sources the installation of the panels has been delayed until now by Israeli reluctance to allow the panels to be imported from Japan.

Once installed, the plant will provide 422,000 kWh per year, and reduce potential carbon dioxide emissions by more than 290 tonnes a year. The photovoltaic (PV) panels will cover an area of 13,000 square metres.

The system is designed to supply electricity to tenants in the first phase of the industrial park. However, until tenants begin their operations it will direct the power to the Jerusalem District Electricity Company to supplement the current electricity supply to Jericho.

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