Project Experts
Marko Markov SUNREF II Project Lead, Financial Expert
Normand Michaud Technical Expert
Amandine Gal Technical Expert
Rana El Guindy Technical Expert
Building Financial and Technical Capacity for Renewable Energy and Efficiency Investments
-
Client
AFD & Proparco
-
Region
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
-
Services
- Programs
- Climate Finance Funds, Mechanisms and Products
- Capacity Building
-
Countries
Palestine
-
Sector
- Financial institutions
In a context marked by energy insecurity, economic volatility, and limited access to finance, SUNREF Palestine was designed to move beyond project-by-project financing and build an entire green finance ecosystem.
Through a structured blend of financial innovation, technical assistance, and institutional strengthening, the program is enabling Palestinian banks, businesses, and households to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency — laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and climate action.
Mobilizing Private Capital Through a Proven Green Finance Model
The Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) initiative is an innovative green finance program designed to mobilize private‑sector investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. Implemented globally with the support of development finance institutions, SUNREF operates through local financial institutions to catalyze sustainable economic growth while strengthening market resilience.
Building on its successful deployment in multiple regions, the operationalization of SUNREF in Palestine represents a strategic step toward addressing the territory’s pressing energy challenges, environmental vulnerabilities, and private‑sector financing gaps. The programme seeks to create a favourable ecosystem where Palestinian financial institutions, SMEs, households, and local stakeholders can adopt greener technologies, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to climate resilience despite an exceptionally fragile operating environment.
Responding Effectively in a Complex and Difficult Context
SUNREF Palestine was introduced to help address the territory’s chronic energy insecurity and the private sector’s limited access to affordable financing for renewable energy and energy‑efficiency investments. In a context marked by high dependence on imported electricity, frequent supply disruptions, and economic volatility, Palestinian SMEs and households face significant barriers in adopting cleaner technologies. By partnering with local financial institutions, SUNREF aims to stimulate green lending, strengthen technical and financial capacities, and unlock investments that enhance energy resilience, reduce operational costs, and contribute to broader climate‑adaptation and sustainable‑development objectives the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
Mandate
Econoler, in partnership with local firm ESCOM, was appointed as Technical Assistance provider and coordination unit for SUNREF Palestine.
Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) Palestine
Building the Foundations for Sustainable Energy Finance in Palestine
The mandate includes:
- Supporting the design and rollout of tailored green lending products
- Strengthening technical and financial capacities within partner banks
- Developing operational tools, environmental and social (E&S) procedures, and monitoring frameworks
- Providing direct technical support to borrowers
- Supporting national authorities in building regulatory and institutional capacity
- Structuring long-term market infrastructure, including ESCO frameworks and EPC repositories
Econoler’s role spans from operational implementation to policy-level advisory — ensuring both immediate results and systemic transformation.
Ensuring that local banks and institutions can effectively deliver green finance to Palestinian businesses and households
Econoler deployed a comprehensive, multi-layered technical assistance approach.
Tailored Financial Products
- Designed SUNREF-specific lending products for SMEs, corporates, and retail clients
- Integrated Islamic finance principles to ensure compliance with local financial practices
- Enabled banks to offer culturally aligned and technically sound sustainable finance products
Capacity Building for Financial Institutions
- Delivered specialized training to credit officers, analysts, and risk managers
- Strengthened internal capabilities to assess, structure, and monitor EE/RE investments
- Developed operational manuals and standardized assessment methodologies
Technical Support to Borrowers
- Assisted SMEs and households in identifying viable EE/RE measures
- Supported preparation of bankable project proposals
- Conducted technical assessments and ex-post verifications
Market Awareness & Communication
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive communication strategy
- Supported banks in embedding green finance within their marketing activities
- Organized nationwide outreach and awareness campaigns
Institutional and Policy-Level Support
- Strengthened administrative and technical capacity at PENRA and PEC
- Designed a national repository of qualified solar PV EPC companies
- Developed a regulatory framework for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)
- Established methodologies for evaluating complex EE/RE projects
- Managed feasibility study funds and monitored program impacts
Through this integrated approach, SUNREF Palestine builds lasting market infrastructure.
Strengthening Institutions, Empowering Businesses, Enabling Households
SUNREF Palestine generated value across the green finance ecosystem.
For End Borrowers (SMEs & Households):
- Improved access to affordable capital
- Performance-based grants reducing upfront investment costs
- Lower energy bills and improved operational resilience
For Partner Banks and Islamic Financial Institutions:
- Enhanced internal expertise in sustainable energy finance
- New green lending portfolios
- Strengthened risk assessment capabilities
For Public Authorities (PENRA & PEC):
- Increased administrative and technical capacity
- Tools and frameworks to support long-term EE/RE program management
For the Local Market Ecosystem:
- Improved quality standards in the solar PV sector
- Structured ESCO market framework
- Expanded pipeline of bankable clean energy projects
Measurable Impact on Palestine’s Energy Transition
As of December 2025:
Paving the Way for Long-Term Market Transformation
By the completion of its mandates, Econoler and ESCOM will have significantly strengthened the capacity of Palestinian financial institutions and public authorities to deliver sustainable energy finance independently.
Beyond immediate project approvals, SUNREF Palestine is laying the foundations for a mature green lending market, stronger regulatory frameworks, sustainable solar and ESCO market structures, and greater public awareness of clean energy solutions.
In a highly complex environment, the program demonstrates how structured technical assistance and financial innovation can unlock resilient, market-driven energy transition pathways — even in the most challenging contexts.