Israel Approves Power Plant Plan Amid Environmental Concerns

The Israeli government is set to discuss a proposal to allow the Ashdod Refinery to construct a natural gas-fired power plant, despite opposition from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The plan, initiated by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, is titled "Authorization of Ashdod Refinery Company to Prepare a Plan for Infrastructure for a Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant." This proposal is still in its early stages and requires submission to the National Infrastructure Committee for approval.

This development follows the government's approval in June of a national plan to reduce pollution in Ashdod, an area identified as a significant pollution hotspot. The northern industrial zone, home to heavy industry and a port, is located near residential areas. Health Ministry reports from 2017-2022 indicated higher rates of heart, vascular, and respiratory illnesses in some Ashdod-area communities exposed to pollution.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection opposes the new power plant, citing data from 2024 showing the Ashdod industrial zone has the highest emissions of volatile organic compounds in Israel and is second highest for nitrogen oxides and suspected carcinogens. The ministry noted that air emission trends in the northern industrial zone have not improved for a decade and that thousands of complaints about odors and air pollution have been received from residents in the past two years.

The ministry warned that a new fossil fuel power plant would worsen air quality, potentially undermining the national plan to reduce pollution and odors in Ashdod. The municipality of Yavne also submitted an objection, stating that the city already faces significant air pollution and odor issues, leading to residents' complaints of breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Yavne stressed the need for a comprehensive planning and environmental assessment before adding significant emission sources.

The Environmental Forum, representing environmental organizations, criticized the government's insistence on proceeding with the fossil fuel plant, calling it a strategic error. They argued that polluting power plants are vulnerable targets during conflict and contribute to air and greenhouse gas emissions. The forum advocates for a decentralized grid of renewable energy sources and storage within communities to ensure operational continuity during emergencies.