PORTRAITS OF SUCCESS: Women Champions in the Energy Sector

Born and raised in Ramallah, Hiba comes from a family that values education, with her father holding a PhD in Biostatistics and her mother a degree in Chemistry. Hiba's siblings have advanced degrees in Engineering, Business, and Finance from foreign universities. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing from Birzeit University in Palestine and a master's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Cranfield University in the UK, obtained through a Chevening scholarship. Hiba's interest in renewable energy began during her undergraduate thesis on "Impediments to University-Industry Partnerships." Although renewable energy was still in its infancy in the West Bank at the time, she interacted closely with private sector companies operating in this sphere and became fascinated with the idea of a sustainable source of energy. Hiba's passion for renewable energy led her to co-establish Sunergy, which provides renewable energy solutions using state-of-the-art technology, with offices in Ramallah and Gaza. As the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board, Hiba runs the day-to-day operations of the organization. The company has been operating for 7 years and has implemented several important projects, including a 2-megawatt solar plant in Ajja-Jenin and water and space heating systems for Rawabi City. Sunergy is also in negotiations to provide solar systems for Rawabi City and is set to embark on a 7-MW project in Gaza. In addition to its commercial projects, Sunergy has designed a solar training program for recent engineering graduates and workers in every project they implement to help build local capacity in Palestine. Hiba has already accomplished much in the field of renewables and has overcome many obstacles, including being a female and young in a male-dominated industry. Despite facing challenges, Hiba remains confident and advises other young women interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector to "do it strongly" and "manage it at the end of the day." She believes that renewable energy is the future and encourages others to join the sector.