Government Advances Power Plant Plans Despite Environmental Minister's Opposition

The Israeli government is set to discuss advancing plans for two new power plants, one in Ashdod and another in Palmachim, each with a capacity of at least 630 megawatts. The Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, has expressed opposition to these plans, while the Ministers of Finance, Interior, and Construction and Housing support them. The government is not yet approving the construction of the plants, but rather authorizing companies to advance their proposals through the National Infrastructure Committee. This authorization allows the initiating companies to prepare national infrastructure plans and submit them for review, though it does not guarantee eventual approval or grant any licenses.

In Ashdod, the proposed site is in the northern industrial zone, which the Planning Administration notes is already heavily burdened with existing and planned emission sources. The feasibility of the plant in this location will require careful examination, as will its connection to the electricity grid. In Palmachim, the proposal comes from Park Palmachim Ltd. for a similar capacity power plant. The environmental minister also opposes this plan, with support from the finance, interior, and construction ministers. A key consideration for the Palmachim plant will be its relationship with an existing desalination facility in the area, ensuring no harm to its current operations, expansion potential, or future desalination sites.

Both proposed power plants are located in "Area 3," designated by the government for increasing planned capacity for electricity generation. This designation is based on an October 2024 government decision that set criteria for building a pipeline of natural gas-fired power generation facilities. Legal opinions attached to the proposals indicate that they can proceed even during an election period, as they implement established policy and the current authorization does not bind future planning decisions. The legal advisors assess the risk of election considerations influencing the decision as low, while emphasizing the need for governmental continuity and restraint during this period.

In parallel discussions, the government is also expected to consider the Minister of Defense's proposal to extend the declaration of a special home front alert status. Other agenda items include appointments in the foreign service and the approval of a director for legal aid in the Ministry of Justice.