Harnessing the breeze: The displaced Gazans building scrap-metal wind turbines

In the displacement camp of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, a former engineering student named Kamal Al-Dabary has constructed makeshift wind turbines from scrap metal and discarded materials to provide electricity to his fellow displaced Palestinians. According to the World Bank, over 90% of Gaza's power generation and distribution infrastructure was destroyed during Israeli strikes in April, leaving most Gazans without access to the territory's damaged power grid.

Solar panels, once affordable, have become unattainable for most due to soaring costs after the 2023 war between Israel and Hamas. With limited funds and no employment, Al-Dabary turned to the idea of harnessing wind power, salvaging parts from the rubble to build the turbines. The turbines consist of scooter motors and water tank blades that convert wind energy into electricity, which is then stored in batteries to power essential devices such as phones, lights, fans, and electric razors.

While the output is modest, the impact is significant for a community where shortages are constant. Al-Dabary, known locally as Abu Ayman, stated that the electricity has transformed their lives, enabling them to keep medical equipment running, which is crucial given the difficulties in accessing healthcare and medication in Gaza.