Israel's national water company, Mekorot, has launched a procurement process for the construction of up to 10 solar energy facilities integrated with electricity storage systems at water reservoirs across the country.
The facilities are expected to have a combined generation capacity of approximately 100 megawatts and will be capable of storing electricity for between four and six hours.
Under the procurement process, developers will be selected to design, construct and operate the facilities. Mekorot will retain a right of first refusal to purchase the electricity generated for its operational needs.
According to the company, Mekorot is Israel's largest civilian electricity consumer, accounting for approximately 4% to 5% of the country's total electricity demand at an estimated annual cost of about NIS 1 billion. The company said expanding its independent power generation and diversifying its energy sources are intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on a single source of electricity.
The project is part of a broader renewable energy strategy pursued by Mekorot in recent years. The company has installed photovoltaic systems on buildings across Israel, at sites adjacent to its facilities, along sections of the National Water Carrier and on treated wastewater reservoirs in northern Israel. It also generates hydroelectric power within parts of its water transmission network where excess pressure is available.
Mekorot said projects representing more than 250 megawatts of installed capacity are currently at various stages of development, with some also incorporating electricity storage systems. The company said expanding its independent power generation is intended to strengthen the resilience of Israel's water infrastructure and help ensure a continuous water supply during both routine operations and emergencies.
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen said the project would strengthen Israel's energy security while supporting the country's renewable energy goals. "The construction of solar energy facilities strengthens Israel's energy security, helps ensure a continuous energy supply during both routine operations and emergencies, and supports our efforts to meet national targets for clean electricity generation from renewable energy sources," Cohen said.
Mekorot Chairman Moshe Shimoni said the initiative would strengthen the company's operational resilience. "The construction of solar facilities and electricity storage systems represents a significant step towards strengthening Mekorot's energy independence and ensuring the operational continuity of Israel's water sector," Shimoni said. "The initiative forms part of the extensive activity we are advancing in the field of renewable energy."