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    • Mekorot continues to expand its activities in the field of renewable energy
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    Mekorot continues to expand its activities in the field of renewable energy

    Online Niel Posted on

    The national water company, Mekorot, is advancing its activities in the production of electricity from renewable sources. Recently, the company inaugurated the construction of several photovoltaic (solar) installations on the roofs of its water tanks. These last installations are located in the Sorek region and were developed by Synergy Renewable Energy and Rapac Renewable Energies, which are also responsible for the maintenance and operation of the photovoltaic systems.

    Mekorot is considered the largest civilian consumer of electricity in Israel, accounting for approximately 4–5% of total national demand. This electricity is needed to operate desalination plants, water and wastewater treatment plants, freshwater transportation systems, and reclaimed water management. Mekorot energy costs have increased in recent years due to the establishment of new transport and water supply infrastructure throughout the country. These costs now amount to approximately NIS 850 million annually—a figure that is expected to rise in light of ongoing efforts to connect remote areas in the northern, eastern, and Arava regions.

    The Sorek site serves as a central receiving facility for desalinated water from a private contractor in the area. The newly inaugurated facilities include around 5,000 panels, representing an investment of around NIS 7 million by the developers. Electricity production from the site is expected to reach around three megawatts in the initial phase, with another three megawatts to be added next year by installing panels on two nearby reservoirs. In addition, plans are being considered to build an energy storage facility to ensure around-the-clock power supply to various customers.

    Mekorot CEO Amit Lang points out that these facilities are part of the company’s larger plan to install solar systems on dozens of reservoirs. Over the next year, the national water company plans to install similar systems on about ten more reservoirs across the country. “Each additional Mekorot investment in renewable electricity generation helps reduce operating costs, diversify electricity supply sources and reduce the company’s environmental carbon footprint,” he concluded.

    Ofer Ben Basat, CEO of Synergy Renewable Energy, emphasized the importance of the transition to clean, decentralized and cost-effective renewable energy. “We are proud to lead, together with Rapac Renewable Energies, the clean energy revolution promoted by Mekorot. The Sorek project is only the first of many similar projects planned for the future.”



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