Displaced Palestinian in Gaza builds wind turbine to generate electricity
A 60-year-old former engineering student in the al-Mawasi displacement camp near Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip has built wind turbines from scavenged materials to power tents. His approach is cheaper than solar panels, which now cost nearly $5,000.
In a displacement camp in al-Mawasi, near the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, homemade wind turbines spin above the tents in the sea breeze. They supply electricity to families who have no other source of power. The devices were built by 60-year-old Kamal Al-Dabary, who once studied engineering.
From scrap to power
To make the turbines, he used scooter motors, discarded water tanks and electrical components salvaged from destroyed homes. The energy produced is kept in batteries, so it can be used even when the wind drops.
Why it matters
Solar panels, a common choice for off-grid power, now cost nearly $5,000, which displaced Palestinians cannot afford. At the same time, much of Gaza's electricity infrastructure has been destroyed. In these conditions, the homemade turbines have become an affordable alternative.
The output is modest. It is enough to charge phones and run lights, fans and electric razors. For displaced residents who lack electricity, though, even this limited supply makes a real difference to daily life.
