Amman, Sept. 14 (Petra) -- A new solar power plant at the Naour College, run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), is an important addition to the agency's efforts to boost energy efficiency and sustain its facilities, Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) Rafiq Kharfan said on Monday.

Speaking at the plant's inauguration ceremony, Kharfan said the project aligns with Jordan's direction on climate and green financing, an area His Majesty King Abdullah II has prioritized through directing the government to strengthen national efforts in the field.

Renewable energy projects, he said, carry particular weight given the financial challenges facing UNRWA, explaining that lower energy costs could free up additional resources for the agency's core services, mainly education and vocational training.

Kharfan said the project falls under broader cooperation with the German Development Bank (KfW), including initiatives carried out under the REPAC project, which covers infrastructure development, educational facilities and energy and sustainability projects.

He voiced appreciation for KfW's support of the project, as well as the German government's continued backing of Jordan and UNRWA, alongside the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Electric Power Company and all parties that contributed to the project.

Kharfan stressed the importance of sustained support and cooperation with various partners to strengthen UNRWA's ability to continue its role and deliver services to Palestine refugees.

The Naour College solar plant is part of wider efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency across UNRWA facilities, supporting the sustainability of its services and easing its operational burdens.

//Petra// NQ