Israel Pushes Ashdod Power Plant Plan Despite Environmental Backlash
The Israeli government is pushing to authorize a natural gas power plant at the Ashdod refinery, sparking strong opposition from environmental ministries and local municipalities.
The Israeli government is advancing a plan to authorize the Ashdod oil refinery to build a natural gas-fired power plant, despite fierce opposition from the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Government Plans and Environmental Concerns
The cabinet is set to discuss a proposal initiated by Minister of Energy Eli Cohen to empower the refinery to draft infrastructure plans for the new facility. This comes despite the government having approved a national program last June aimed at reducing pollution in Ashdod, one of the country's most heavily industrialized zones.
Data from the 2024 Pollutant Release and Transfer Register highlights that Ashdod's industrial zone records the highest volatile organic compound emissions in Israel, ranking second in nitrogen oxides and suspected carcinogens.
"The ministry is currently advancing a national program to reduce air pollution and odor hazards in Ashdod... Approving the operation of a new fossil fuel power plant will lead to a deterioration in air quality," the Ministry of Environmental Protection stated in its position paper.
Municipal and Public Opposition
Neighboring Yavne has also formally opposed the move, citing ongoing struggles with respiratory issues among residents caused by existing environmental hazards.
Environmental organizations warned that centralized fossil fuel infrastructure poses a strategic vulnerability and an unnecessary target during wartime emergencies, calling instead for decentralized renewable energy grids.
