Ashkelon Power Plant Battles Massive Jellyfish Swarms Clogging Cooling Systems

The Rotenberg Power Plant in Ashkelon, operated by the Israel Electric Corporation, is facing a recurring challenge each summer as massive swarms of jellyfish clog its cooling systems. Eran Shani, head of administration and logistics at the plant, explained that every 12 hours they remove eight to ten large garbage containers filled with jellyfish. This phenomenon occurs annually from late May through August, requiring continuous cleaning of filters around the clock to ensure the flow of cold seawater needed to cool the electricity-generating turbines.

The plant pumps enormous volumes of seawater at very high flow rates, drawing in tens of tons of jellyfish, sometimes even more. Such quantities pose a risk to the power generation units. Shani noted that this is a global issue and that, as of 2026, no advanced technologies or innovative solutions have been developed to better manage the problem. Despite the challenge, the plant is accustomed to dealing with the jellyfish and all its systems are currently operating normally.

Shani also highlighted a more troubling environmental issue linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Wastewater treatment plants and waste management facilities are not functioning, causing sewage and trash to flow into the sea and wash up on local beaches. This situation forces the power plant to handle large amounts of garbage alongside the jellyfish. Compared to this, managing the jellyfish swarms requires relatively less effort, he said.