Israeli port targets energy self-sufficiency

Ashdod Port announced that work will begin on its energy goal this year, in cooperation with the government’s Ministry of Energy.

In a statement on Facebook, the port said: ” We are pleased to announce that through cooperation with the Ministry of Energy – Ashdod Port will become the first company to supply all its energy needs within a few years!

“The move, which will begin this year, includes the adoption of renewable energy generation technologies: installing solar panels and setting up an internal power plant, to manufacture electricity using natural gas – thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs at the port.”

Energy efficient measures will be taken in all port facilities, added the port. Lighting and air conditioning systems will be replaced and the port will continue switching from diesel to electric machinery.

In August 2019, the port announced investment in electrified rubber-tired gantry (ERTG) cranes as part of its goal to turn its ‘Platform 21’ into a semi-automatic container platform.

This energy drive is not the first time Ashod has talked about setting up a power plant. In April 2019, it announced an agreement with Negev Natural Gas South to enable it to connect to the natural gas delivery system and establish a private power station that will serve the energy needs of the port and its customers.