La planta Ashalim en el Néguev genera 320 GWh anuales, cubre el 2% de la electricidad nacional y reduce 110,000 toneladas de CO2.
Planta termosolar Ashalim impulsa energía limpia en Israel
La central termosolar Ashalim, ubicada en el desierto del Néguev, comenzó operaciones comerciales en septiembre de 2019, consolidándose como uno de los proyectos de energía renovable más importantes de Israel. Con una capacidad de 121 MW, la planta utiliza 50,600 espejos heliostáticos para concentrar la luz solar en una torre de 240 metros, generando 320 GWh de electricidad al año. Esta producción abastece a unos 70,000 hogares y cub covering approximately 2% of the country’s electricity needs, according to the Ministry of Energy. The project, developed by BrightSource Energy, GE Renewable Energy, and the Noy Fund, represents a significant step toward achieving Israel‘s goal of producing 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
The Ashalim Plot B facility, also known as the Megalim project, employs concentrating solar power (CSP) technology. Over 3.15 km², the heliostats track the sun in two axes, reflecting sunlight onto a Solar Receiver Steam Generator (SRSG) atop the tower. The concentrated sunlight heats water to produce superheated steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity. The plant’s innovative design, valued at $840 million, ensures efficient energy production even in the harsh desert environment. The project created up to 1,000 jobs during its peak construction phase, boosting economic activity in the Néguev region.
The Ashalim solar complex comprises three distinct plots, with Plot B being the solar tower. Plot A, managed by Néguev Energy, is a 121 MW parabolic trough plant with 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage, allowing electricity generation after sunset. Plot C, a 30 MW photovoltaic plant, was commissioned in 2018. A fourth 40 MW photovoltaic facility, operated by EDF Renewables, began operations in 2023, setting a record-low tariff of 8 agorot per kWh. Together, these facilities produce over 300 MW, contributing significantly to Israel’s renewable energy capacity.
The Megalim project was announced in 2008 and awarded in a competitive auction in 2012 at NIS 0.79 per kWh. Construction began in late 2014, led by GE Renewable Energy, with financing from the European Investment Bank and Bank Hapoalim. The plant’s completion marked a milestone in Israel’s energy diversification, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports and avoiding 110,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, as reported by BrightSource Energy. The project aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance energy security and promote sustainable development in the Néguev.
Datos clave de la planta termosolar Ashalim para energía renovable
- Capacidad: 121 MW, genera 320 GWh anuales.
- Tecnología: Torre solar con 50,600 heliostatos en 3.15 km².
- Altura de la torre: 240 metros, una de las más altas del mundo.
- Reducción de emisiones: Evita 110,000 toneladas de CO2 al año.
- Hogares abastecidos: Aproximadamente 70,000 con energía limpia.
- Inversión: $840 millones, financiada por bancos europeos e israelíes.
- Empleos generados: Hasta 1,000 durante la construcción.
Avances tecnológicos y sostenibilidad en el desierto del Néguev
The Ashalim plant leverages BrightSource’s CSP technology, previously implemented in the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California. The wireless heliostats, model LH-2.4, are controlled by advanced software to optimize solar energy capture. Unlike photovoltaic systems, CSP allows for thermal energy storage, enabling Plot A to supply electricity during non-sunny hours. The Néguev Energy plant uses molten salt storage, providing 4.5 hours of full-capacity operation daily, averaging 11 hours of production yearly. This capability enhances grid reliability, a critical factor in Israel’s energy infrastructure.
Environmental sustainability is a priority at Ashalim. The project adheres to international standards, recycling thermal oil and using desalinated water to minimize resource consumption. Approximately 1.6 million cubic meters of water are used annually, with recycling systems to reduce waste. The plant avoids perimeter lighting to protect nocturnal wildlife and includes measures like small-animal crossings and rare plant relocation. According to Néguev Energy’s manager, Yuval Saragusty, these efforts ensure minimal ecological disruption while producing clean energy.
The Ashalim complex is part of a broader initiative to transform the Néguev into a hub for renewable energy. The government plans to build a fifth solar plant by 2027, with a capacity of 100 MW, to meet the target of 30% renewable energy by 2030. The Ramat HaNéguev Regional Council, led by Eran Doron, supports these developments, citing their alignment with David Ben-Gurion’s vision of harnessing the desert for scientific innovation. The complex also includes a wastewater treatment plant to support infrastructure growth in the region.
Community engagement has been integral to the project. Néguev Energy and Megalim have maintained regular communication with Ashalim village residents, a small community of about 500 people, to mitigate the impact of construction. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, benefits the local population. The project has also attracted international attention, with posts on X describing Ashalim as a “sci-fi-like” marvel, highlighting its futuristic appearance and clean energy contributions.
Impacto económico y estratégico de Ashalim en Israel
The Ashalim project has bolstered Israel’s position in the global renewable energy sector. The collaboration between BrightSource, GE, and Noy Fund demonstrates the country’s ability to attract international investment and expertise. Eran Gartner, CEO of Megalim, emphasized the project’s role in “Israel’s commitment to CO2 reduction and renewable energy.” The plant’s long-term power purchase agreement with the Israel Electric Corporation ensures stable revenue, supporting economic viability over its 25-year operation period under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model.
Technological innovation at Ashalim has drawn interest from global energy firms. In 2021, Nofar Energy signed a memorandum to acquire Megalim for NIS 580 million, signaling confidence in the plant’s future profitability. The project’s success has spurred additional investments, such as EDF Renewables’ financing deal with Harel Group for 189 MW of solar projects in Israel. These developments underscore the Néguev’s growing role as a renewable energy hub, with plans for a 300 MW solar complex near Dimona.
The Ashalim complex addresses Israel’s historical lag in renewable energy adoption. Despite abundant sunshine, only 2.6% of the country’s electricity came from renewables in 2017, compared to 30% in Germany. The government’s ambitious targets, supported by projects like Ashalim, aim to close this gap. The Ministry of Energy projects that solar energy will account for 15% of electricity demand by 2050, driven by the integration of electric vehicles and increased grid capacity.
Strategically, Ashalim enhances Israel’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. The Néguev’s vast, sunny landscape offers unmatched potential for solar energy, as noted by Leehee Goldenberg of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense. The project’s visibility, with its towering structure visible from space, has also boosted tourism in the region, with visitors drawn to the “Tower of Power” and nearby attractions like Kornmehl Farm. The Ashalim solar complex stands as a testament to Israel’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, driving economic growth and environmental progress in the Néguev.
