Kamal Al-Dabbari, a former engineering student, has built homemade wind turbines in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza using waste and recycled materials. These turbines generate energy in a situation where most residents of Gaza do not have direct access to the damaged power grid in the area.
Severe Energy Infrastructure Situation
According to a World Bank report, more than 90 percent of Gaza's electricity generation and distribution capacity was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes and infrastructure damage in April 2026. Kamal Al-Dabbari, who himself has been displaced due to the conflicts, is helping families by relying on his engineering skills.
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While many people in Gaza are in a difficult situation due to war and economic crises, the price of solar panels has skyrocketed to 15,000 shekels (approximately $5,000). These prices are unaffordable for most residents of Gaza. Kamal Al-Dabbari says, "We have had no income for three years, and this led us to think about building wind turbines because we can harness the wind. We collected parts from destroyed waste."
Energy Production through Recycling
The turbines are made from scooter motors and old water tanks that have been converted into blades. As the wind spins the blades, they turn the motor and generate energy. This energy is transferred to batteries through circuits assembled from recycled parts. This system produces enough energy to charge phones, lights, and fans, and even power devices like electric shavers.
Kamal Al-Dabbari, known as Abu Ayman, says, "These turbines help us continue living until God saves us from this calamity and we can return to our homes." Although energy production in this camp is still low, every watt of energy is critically important in resource-scarce conditions.
Saleh Bin Hassan, one of the camp residents, stated, "This system has changed everything. Given that access to healthcare and medicine in Gaza is difficult, this energy helps medical equipment to function."
Kamal Al-Dabbari's assistance not only improves daily life in the refugee camps but also keeps hope alive in the hearts of the residents of this region.
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