Mekorot continues expanding its activities in renewable energy

The national water company, Mekorot, is advancing its activities in renewable energy electricity production. Recently, the company inaugurated the construction of several photovoltaic (solar) facilities on the rooftops of its water reservoirs. These latest installations are located in the Sorek region and were developed by Synergy Renewable Energy and Rapac Renewable Energies, which are also responsible for maintaining and operating the photovoltaic systems.

Mekorot is considered Israel's largest civilian electricity consumer, accounting for approximately 4–5% of total national demand. This electricity is required to operate desalination plants, water and wastewater treatment facilities, freshwater conveyance systems, and reclaimed water management. Mekorot's energy costs have risen in recent years due to the establishment of new water conveyance and supply infrastructures across the country. These costs now amount to approximately NIS 850M annually—a figure expected to grow in light of ongoing efforts to connect remote areas in the north, east, and Arava regions.

The Sorek site serves as a central reception facility for water desalinated by a private contractor in the area. The newly inaugurated installations include around 5,000 panels, representing an investment of approximately NIS 7M by the developers. Electricity production at the site is expected to reach about three megawatts in the initial phase, with an additional three megawatts to be added next year through the installation of panels on two nearby reservoirs. Furthermore, plans are being considered for constructing an energy storage facility to ensure electricity supply to various customers around the clock.

Mekorot CEO Amit Lang emphasizes that these facilities are part of the company’s broader plan to install solar systems on dozens of reservoirs. Over the next year, the national water company intends to install similar systems on approximately ten more reservoirs across the country. "Every additional investment by Mekorot in renewable energy electricity production helps reduce operating costs, diversify electricity supply sources, and lower the company’s environmental carbon footprint," he concluded.

Ofer Ben Basat, CEO of Synergy Renewable Energy, highlighted the importance of transitioning 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 just the first of many similar projects planned for the future."