Gaza's Scrap Wind Turbines Power Hope Amidst Ruin

Above Gaza's displacement camps, homemade wind turbines constructed from scrap metal and salvaged debris are providing much-needed electricity. Kamal Al-Dabary, a former engineering student, is leading this initiative in the Khan Yunis camp, where most residents lack access to the territory's shattered power grid. The World Bank reported that over 90 percent of Gaza's power infrastructure was destroyed by April 2026.

Al-Dabary explained that rising costs have made solar panels unaffordable, with a single unit now costing at least 15,000 shekels ($5,000). This prohibitive price, coupled with a three-year lack of work and income, inspired the creation of wind turbines. These devices are ingeniously built using scooter motors and water tank blades, harnessing wind to generate power.

The electricity generated is stored in batteries and is sufficient to power lights, fans, and electronic devices like phones and razors. These small amenities have become luxuries for families living in tents and shelters. The system, despite its modest output, is making a significant difference in a camp with constant shortages.

This ingenuity is crucial for daily life, especially for accessing essential services like healthcare. Residents noted that the power can help run medical equipment, such as nebulizers for children, in critical situations. For many, these wind turbines represent a way to persevere until they can return to their homes.