In a significant development intertwining renewable energy with complex land rights, Bedouin communities in Israel's southern Negev desert are leveraging solar power projects to generate electricity and solidify their claims to ancestral lands. The village of Tirabin al-Sana, home to the Tirabin Bedouin tribe, recently partnered with an Israeli solar energy company to establish a large-scale photovoltaic installation, with the generated power flowing directly into the national grid. This initiative not only provides clean, affordable energy but also creates local employment opportunities.

The strategic importance of these solar fields extends beyond energy production. For years, Bedouin families, particularly those residing in the approximately 110,000-strong population of unrecognised villages within the Negev's 300,000 Bedouin inhabitants, have faced persistent threats of demolition and forced eviction. Far-right groups, some with government backing, have intensified efforts to displace these communities, leading to over 8,500 building demolitions since 2023, according to Marwan Abu Frieh of the legal aid organization Adalah. However, the construction of solar projects necessitates the formal registration of land as part of the Bedouin village, thereby strengthening their legal standing.

Yosef Abramowitz, co-chair of the non-profit Shamsuna, which facilitates these projects, emphasized this dual benefit. "It secures their land rights forever," Abramowitz stated, calling it "the only way to settle the Bedouin land issue and secure 100 percent renewable energy," a "win, win" scenario. Gil Yasur, also from Shamsuna, affirmed that families integrating solar projects significantly improve their chances of securing land, benefiting "the landowners, the country, the Negev."

Beyond large-scale grid contributions, solar energy is transforming daily life in these communities. In Umm Batin, a recognized village, a local kindergarten now operates entirely on solar power. Previously reliant on a polluting diesel generator, the facility now enjoys consistent, clean electricity, enabling air conditioning and educational equipment. Nama Abu Kaf, a kindergarten worker, noted the improved environment, stating, "Now we have air conditioning and a projector so the children can watch television." Hani al-Hawashleh, overseeing the project for Shamsuna, highlighted the "very positive" impact, citing cost savings and the use of clean energy.

These projects represent a pilot scheme by Shamsuna, addressing both energy poverty and land insecurity. While challenges and bureaucracy persist, the potential for expansion to other educational institutions and villages currently dependent on polluting generators is significant. This innovative approach offers a compelling model for sustainable development, demonstrating how renewable energy infrastructure can serve as a powerful tool for social justice and community resilience in contested territories.