The Cabinet today approved a long-range plan to promote the production of electricity from renewable, non-polluting sources.  The goal of the plan is to work to reduce the gas emissions and air pollution by the electricity industry and to ensure long-term sources of energy for Israel, while developing stable and ramified industry and encouraging innovative research.  The decision was formulated on instruction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the National Economics Council, in cooperation with the National Infrastructures and Environmental Protection ministries.

The decision sets a quantitative goal for electricity generation from renewable sources of 2,760 megawatts by the end of 2020, constituting 10% of electricity production in Israel.  An interim goal of 1,550 megawatts by the end of 2014 was also set.

In the first stage, between 2011-2014, the quotas that have already been allocated for the production of electricity from renewable, non-polluting sources, as well as additional quotas, will be realized: 460 megawatts for large installations, 110 megawatts for installations designated for independent consumption, approximately 210 megawatts for electricity generation from bio-gas and waste, and 800 megawatts of electricity from wind power.  In 2014, the National Infrastructures Ministry will formulate an updated policy in order to meet the goals for 2020.

The plan is designed to reduce surplus costs to consumers in producing electricity from these sources.

The Government's goal is to promote innovative Israeli technologies in this field.  An inter-ministerial team will be established to oversee the evaluation and development of Israeli technologies.  The Cabinet will also allocate 50 additional megawatts to the evaluation of installations with innovative Israeli technologies.  NIS 10 million will be allocated to National Infrastructures Ministry Chief Scientist for the development of model facilities to generate electricity and which incorporate innovative technologies.