Israel Launches Tender for Largest Desalination Plant Despite Local Opposition

Israel's Ministry of Finance has released preliminary qualification documents for an international tender to build a massive desalination plant in Emek Hefer, expected to be the largest in Israel and among the largest globally. The project, estimated to cost between 5 and 6 billion shekels, will include a natural gas-powered power station with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts to supply the plant's substantial electricity needs. The plant is designed to produce approximately 400 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, covering about 40% of Israel's fresh water consumption for households and industry.

The tender process is advancing even though the National Infrastructure Committee (NIFC) has not yet completed reviewing objections from environmental groups and the Emek Hefer Regional Council. The council has called for an immediate freeze on the tender, arguing that the state is attempting to establish facts on the ground before planning authorities resolve the objections. Council head Galit Shaul criticized the process as flawed and raised concerns about the project's long-term impact and procedural integrity.

The plant will be located several kilometers east of the coastline, requiring extensive infrastructure including a sea water intake about two kilometers offshore and nearly three kilometers of onshore piping, factors that increase construction costs. The facility will cover around 200 dunams and include storage and additional infrastructure. Construction is expected to take about seven years.

Originally planned to produce 200 million cubic meters annually, the capacity was doubled to meet future demand driven by population growth and climate change, reducing reliance on natural water sources. The project also aims to enhance water cooperation with Jordan under the Prosperity Blue initiative. The tender will follow a public-private partnership model, with the selected concessionaire responsible for design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance over 25 years.

Water Authority Director Yehezkel Lifshitz emphasized the plant's role in securing future water needs for the population, agriculture, and industry. The Ministry of Finance's Accountant General, Michal Abadi-Boiangiu, called the plant a revolutionary development for Israel's water sector. Officials noted the need to proceed with statutory processes due to the project's complexity, with final tender details to be determined by the NIFC's decisions on the objections.