National Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer
Photo: Niv Calderon
Israel plans to build nuclear power plant, official says
Country considering erection of atomic energy plant, in light of Israel's growing energy needs, head of Israel Electric Corp says
The Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) is mulling the construction of a nuclear power plant in Israel, Director-General of the Israel Electric Corp Uri Bin-Nun said.
Ben-Nun was quoting the head of the IAEC, Gideon Frank.
The IAEC said in response that "the idea to erect a nuclear power plant for electricity generation is not new. In light of the State of Israel's energy needs, it's only natural that we have shown interest in the subject."
However, the commission stressed that the issue will not be put up for discussion in the near future.
Several weeks ago, National Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer said Israel should look into the possibility of generating power "through unconventional measures."
Israel has already designated an area in the south of the country near Shivta, not far from the Egyptian border, for the purpose of constructing the plant.
The publication of Israel's plan in the area several years ago roused anger in Egypt, which claimed that an accident in the place might severely affect it.
However, the situation has changed since, and in recent months both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah spoke of the possibility of building nuclear power planst in their countries.
