The Israel Electric Corporation just signed a contract with General Electric on the establishment of two electricity production units at the Orot Rabin site near Hadera. Among those in attendance were Energy Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, IEC Chairman Yiftah Ron-Tal, IEC CEO Ofer Bloch, General Electric senior regional manager Fabrice Kermorgant and General Electric Gas Power CEO Scott Strazik.
As part of efforts to reform the electricity sector in Israel, it was decided to build two natural gas-powered combined cycle electricity production units at the Orot Rabin site. The first unit is scheduled to begin production in June 2022 and the second approximately six months later.
Energy Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “Signing the agreement to build gas turbines that will replace the coal-fired production units in Hadera is an important step toward weaning Israel from polluting coal and reducing air pollution throughout the country according to the timetables I have set. In recent years the State of Israel has been in first place among OECD countries in reducing the use of coal and polluting fuels and replacing them with natural gas and renewable energy. This Passover we are advancing from slavery to freedom in the field of energy, including the freedom to breathe clean air.”
US Ambassador David Friedman: “Today’s event marks another significant step forward in strengthening the long-standing relationship between the United States and Israel. I am pleased and encouraged by the cooperation between GE and IEC on the Orot Rabin Power Plant Modernization Project. We congratulate Israel’s continued effort to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electricity and to accelerate all-round growth, and welcome IEC’s selection of GE, and its technology, for such an important milestone.”
General Electric Gas Power CEO Scott Strazik: “GE is honored to work with the Israel Electricity Corporation to bring the first HA gas turbine to Israel and to help modernize the Orot Rabin Power Plant with the HA’s record-setting performance and efficiency. By investing in state-of-the-art technology to transform its infrastructure, IEC will ensure that power is more reliably and sustainably delivered to its customers in Israel.”