The Israeli government has recently released a tender, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Electricity Authority, inviting bids for a substantial 100MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project near the Ashalim settlement, a renowned solar power hub in the nation.
Under the terms of this tender, the selected bidder will be granted a 25-year ownership of the resultant solar power plant. Upon the conclusion of this period, the ownership will revert to the state. It is anticipated that operations for this ambitious project will commence in early 2027, according to statements from the Electricity Authority.
See also: Philippines to Auction 8 GW of Geothermal and Hydropower Supply in Green Energy Drive
This initiative falls under the framework of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a model designed to foster cooperation between the state and the private sector for the development of public infrastructure. In this arrangement, private concessionaires assume responsibility for various aspects including construction, design, financing, as well as operation and maintenance of projects. In return, they receive payments based on predefined criteria from the government.
The Ashalim region already hosts four PPP renewable energy projects, with two of them focusing on solar PV, collectively contributing around 300MW to the nation's renewable energy capacity.
Kobi Blitstein, the Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the government's commitment to advancing renewable energy in the country, stating, “These days we at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure continue to work to remove barriers and open the electricity grid so that a massive absorption of renewable energy will be possible throughout the country in the immediate time frame. The mobilization of all government ministries relevant to the field of renewable energy, as was done in the tender committee of this project, is necessary in order to bring about significant change for the better in the energy economy.”
See also: PNE Group Secures Onshore Wind Projects in Germany's Latest Tender Round
This announcement follows the recent release of a comprehensive plan by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Electricity Authority. The plan aims to achieve 2GW of new renewable energy capacity on the national grid by 2030, with the ultimate goal of generating 30% of the country's electricity demand from renewable sources. This move underscores Israel's commitment to a sustainable energy future and reducing its carbon footprint.
