Mekorot expands renewable energy operations with new solar installations

Mekorot, Israel’s national water company, is advancing its renewable energy initiatives with the recent inauguration of several photovoltaic (solar) facilities installed on the rooftops of its water reservoirs.

The latest installations, located in the Sorek region, were developed and are operated by Senergy Renewable Energy and RAPAC Renewable Energies.

As Israel’s largest civilian electricity consumer, Mekorot accounts for approximately 4-5% of the country’s electricity demand. Its energy needs support vital operations, including desalination plants, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and freshwater conveyance systems.

In recent years, Mekorot’s energy expenses have risen to around NIS 850 million annually, driven by the development of new water infrastructure and efforts to connect remote regions in the North, East, and Arava.

The Sorek facility, which serves as a central hub for desalinated water processed by a private concessionaire, now features approximately 5,000 solar panels. The developers’ investment is estimated at NIS 7 million.

Initial electricity production from the facility stands at three megawatts, with plans to add another three megawatts in the coming year through installations on two nearby reservoirs. There are also plans to explore energy storage solutions, ensuring consistent energy availability around the clock.

Mekorot CEO Amit Lang emphasized the broader significance of the initiative.

“These facilities are part of a larger strategy to cover dozens of reservoirs with solar installations. Over the next year, Mekorot plans to establish similar facilities on an additional 10 reservoirs across the country. Every investment in renewable energy reduces operational costs, diversifies electricity supply sources, and lowers our environmental footprint,” Lang stated.

Ofer Ben Basht, CEO of Senergy Renewable Energy, highlighted the importance of this transition.

“Now more than ever, the need for renewable, decentralized, clean, and efficient energy is clear. We are proud to lead the clean energy revolution at Mekorot alongside RAPAC Renewable Energies. The Sorek project is just the beginning of many future initiatives,” he concluded.

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