Israel Unveils 2050 Energy Strategy Focused on Gas Exports and Nuclear Power

Israel has launched a new national energy strategy through 2050, aiming to secure domestic natural gas supplies for the next 25 years and boost exports to Egypt, Jordan, and Europe. The strategy, detailed in a report by the Inter-Agency Commission for Gas Sector Policy and Energy Security, was delayed due to ongoing military operations and inter-agency disagreements. The country currently extracts gas from the Tamar, Leviathan, and Karish fields, with the Katlan platform set to launch in 2027. These resources have already generated approximately 30 billion shekels for the state, with projections reaching up to 300 billion shekels. Energy Minister Eli Cohen highlighted gas as a strategic asset that lowers electricity prices by 18% compared to OECD averages, with the Egypt export deal alone expected to yield over 50 billion shekels.

To expand its resource base, Israel has initiated a fifth tender for exploration and offered additional tenders in the United States, attracting major international corporations like BP, SOCAR, and Chevron. Deep-sea drilling is planned to discover more raw materials, including oil. The strategy also addresses the growing demand for data centers, with plans to allocate 1 to 3 gigawatts of gas-generated electricity to international tech companies building facilities in Israel, aiming to create economic benefits and jobs. However, the Forum of Private Electricity Producers has cautioned about the need to guarantee stable gas supplies during peak demand hours.

Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes the development of nuclear energy as a supplementary power source, with a dedicated commission established to advance this initiative. Minister Cohen stated the necessity of promoting nuclear power, signaling a significant shift in Israel's long-term energy planning.