Tender published for Israel's biggest solar power plant

• The plant, near Dimona, will include energy storage space. 27 applications were received in the pre-screening stage.

The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, the Israel Land Authority, and the Public Utilities Authority - Electricity released a tender this morning for the construction of the largest solar power plant in Israel, near Dimona. The tender includes a demand for integrating energy storage in batteries into the project. 27 consortia from various countries sent applications in the pre-screening process, an unprecedented number, showing the wonderful interest that the project has excited in Israel and also worldwide.

Before building and construction begins, the sand at the site will certainly be dug deep into for use in structure, transport as well as infrastructure projects.

The nuclear power plant, which will stretch over 3,000 dunams (750 acres) will generate electrical power using photo-voltaic innovation, with part of the power produced being stored. It is indicated to assist achieve the federal government's target of 30% of Israel's power needs being met from eco-friendly sources by 2030. The Ministry of Energy concerns, nevertheless, that the choice by the National Planning as well as Building Commission to provide top priority to erecting phot-voltaic photovoltaic panels in built-up areas will certainly make it hard to meet the target. Israel has no legislation mandating the setup of photovoltaic panels on new buildings, in spite of the big potential of such installations.

Energy storage space is a crucial part of the initiative to get to the 30% sustainable power production target by 2030. It will make it feasible to provide solar-produced power at nighttime when there is no sunshine however demand for electricity is high.

Last July, three renewable resource firms traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange won the initial tender released by the Public Utilities Authority - Electricity to build photo-voltaic installments incorporated with energy storage space, with an overall result of 168 megawatts for 23 years at a price of NIS 0.199 per kilowatt-hour, which is 25% below the tariff for traditional power manufacturers from gas and also coal.