Israeli government issues first PV plant licenses; gives go-ahead to 4.9MW plant

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

National Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer has granted Israel’s first licenses to build and operate PV and solar thermal plants in the country, according to The Jerusalem Post. The Arava Power Company has received the go-ahead to build a 4.9MW solar plant at Kibbutz Ketura in the Eilot region of the Arava desert, while Edig Solar will build the country’s first 100kW solar thermal plant.

The Public Utility Authority is said to have worked on the granting of the licenses. It seems that the licenses, once granted, are active for 18 months, after which time it is expected that the facilities will have been built.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The Arava Power Company plans to begin construction of the 4.9MW plant as soon as the new feed-in tariffs for medium-sized plants are approved, and expects to invest approximately NIS120 million. It has been agreed with the 15 kibbutzim in the Negev and Arava areas that the land can be used for the construction of the solar plant, which is planned to become operational in March.

“This is an historic day for renewable energy in Israel,” said Yosef Abramowitz, President of the Arava Power Company. “For the first time, a large solar project is being launched that will be connected to the national grid, with many more megawatts on the way in the coming years. The Public Utility Authority is making a reality Ben-Eliezer’s dramatic decision to produce thousands of megawatts of electricity from renewable sources by 2020.”

Read Next

September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.
September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Spanish IPP Velto Renewables has acquired a portfolio of 53 operational solar assets in Spain with a combined capacity of 260MW.
September 17, 2025
Struggling Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger has formally entered into a debt moratorium, with the possibility of rescuing the entire group now looking unlikely.
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA