Greenpeace welcomed the announcement from the Ministry of Infrastructure that the proposed solar power plant in Eshalim, Israel, originally proposed in 2001, would finally be put out to tender to private contractors.
"Israel has immense potential to create a lucrative market in the export of renewable energy and free itself from its dependence on oil and coal," said Nili Grossman, Greenpeace Mediterranean’s energy campaigner.
Greenpeace Mediterranean has led the campaign for renewable energy power plants to be constructed in the region.
In 2005, the organization submitted a report to the Ministry of Infrastructure, which proved that the construction of solar power stations would generate a profit of NIS 810 million ($204 million) annually, would create 5,000 new jobs, and would turn Israel into a world leader in the export of renewable technology to help combat climate change.
“Concentrated solar thermal power plants can play an important part in the Middle East and on the global level,” according to a recent report produced by Greenpeace International and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).
The report is a practical energy blueprint for countries on how to cut global CO2 emissions by almost 50 percent by 2050, while providing a secure and affordable energy supply and, critically, maintaining steady worldwide economic development.
"The decision from the Israeli government comes as the world is crying out for a plan on how to tackle the dilemma of how to provide the power we need, without fuelling climate change," said Sven Teske of Greenpeace International.
Reprinted with permission of The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute
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