The government of Israel is planning a great solar energy project in the stone desert of the Negev (pictured). Image source: Shutterstock (#379644883)
The sunny and warm climate in Israel is ideal for solar thermal and photovoltaic power generation. Despite these environmental advantages, Israel is still predominantly relying on fossil fuels like natural gas. A new goal has been set that aims at getting 10 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 and a large solar project that includes the world’s largest solar tower. The tower is 250 meters high and encircled by 50,000 mirrors to maximize the power output of the land. The Ashalim project, which is being constructed in the Negev desert will have four different plots, three of which are being built in the first phase. When the first phase is completed in 2018, it will easily be the largest renewable energy project in the country. It will have the capacity of 310 MW and power 130,000 homes or 5 percent of the population.
Treehugger
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