Israel Advances New Ashdod Power Plant Despite Environmental Concerns

The Israeli government has cleared the way for the planning of a new natural gas power plant in Ashdod, overriding objections from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and local authorities. Professionals within the Ministry of Environmental Protection had recommended that Minister Idit Silman oppose the plan due to the existing environmental strain in Ashdod's northern industrial zone. This area already hosts a refinery, four power plants generating nearly 2,000 megawatts, industrial and chemical facilities, seaports, and fuel depots. According to 2024 emissions data, the Ashdod industrial zone has the highest volatile organic compound emissions among Israeli industrial areas and ranks second for nitrogen oxide and suspected carcinogen emissions. The ministry warned that adding another fossil fuel power plant could worsen air quality and hinder efforts to meet national air pollution reduction targets for the Ashdod area.

Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward. The Planning Administration also noted the northern industrial zone is already saturated with existing and planned emission sources. Meanwhile, a similar proposal for a power plant in Palmachim was halted before a government vote. The plan to authorize "Park Palmachim Ltd." to advance a power plant in the Yavne industrial park was removed from the agenda following opposition from the Ganei Ravah Regional Council, led by Mira Ben Ari. The council stated they were informed of the proposal less than a day before it was to be discussed and demanded proper consultation and review of the plan's environmental and resident impact.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and its professionals also opposed the Palmachim plan, which includes a plant of at least 630 megawatts. The ministry argued there was insufficient information on the need for additional fossil fuel plants and suggested that expanding energy storage capacity could reduce the need for such facilities. The ministry also pointed to the concentration of existing and planned infrastructure, including power plants and desalination facilities, in the Palmachim and Sorek area. While the Ashdod plan proceeds to the planning stages, the Palmachim proposal was postponed but not canceled, and could be revisited by the government.