Israel’s Public Utility Authority has awarded licences to build two solar thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 180MW, reports Reuters.
The larger of the plants has a capacity of 120MW and is being installed by Israel’s largest construction firm, Shikun & Binui. The contract for the smaller, 60MW station was handed out to a subsidiary of US investment company Two Sigma.
Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis
Photovoltaics International is now included.
- Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
- In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
- Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
- Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
- Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
- Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual
Or continue reading this article for free
State officials did not disclose the cost of the plants, but did reveal that they are due to come online in 2017 and will cater for around 0.5% of the country's energy requirements.
“It's a significant step that will allow Israeli citizens to enjoy clean energy on a large scale for the first time,” Energy Minister Uzi Landau said.
Due to its high irradiance levels Israel has long been at the forefront of developing solar technology, but these licences are the first for solar thermal plants. The government hopes they will help Israel achieve its goal of generating 10% of electricity via renewables by 2020.