Israel Resolves 35-Year Dispute to Open 120,000 Dunams for Solar Energy Above Agriculture
The Israel Land Authority (ILA) announced the resolution of a 35-year-old dispute over agricultural lands in the Negev, enabling the construction of solar energy production facilities above approximately 120,000 dunams of farmland. This agreement allows for "agro-voltaic" projects, combining solar panel installations with ongoing agricultural use beneath them. The dispute, which began in 1991, involved 34 cooperative moshavim (agricultural communities) in the Negev and surrounding areas, including the Gaza envelope.
The recent approval of a national master plan for agro-voltaic installations and a one-year exemption from a costly improvement levy have removed significant obstacles to development. The Negev Moshavim Company, representing the 34 moshavim, had operated the lands under seasonal contracts that expired in 1991 and were never renewed, leading to prolonged negotiations. The new framework includes completing land parcel allocations to the moshavim, settling past debts, and ensuring all land use complies with legal requirements.
ILA's acting director, Yehuda Eliyahu, described the agreement as a major breakthrough that strengthens settlement and agriculture in the Negev, preserves state lands, and allocates areas for national needs. He emphasized the efficient management of land resources through projects that integrate renewable energy with agriculture. Shay Hajaj, head of the Merhavim Regional Council and chairman of the Regional Councils Center, called the decision a significant achievement that guarantees the future of the moshavim's lands and enables advanced agriculture alongside renewable energy development.
This initiative is expected to dramatically increase available land for solar power generation while providing added value to agricultural activities below the solar panels. The ILA has authorized 20 moshavim to proceed with agro-voltaic projects, with land parcel integration to be completed within a year before project implementation can begin.
