From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Ministries approve construction of largest solar plant to date in Dimona
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
The Energy and Finance ministries and the Electricity Authority announce finalization of a deal to build what will be the largest solar power plant to date providing the cheapest electricity.
With a capacity of 265 megawatts and a price of under 6.5 agorot (two cents) per kilowatt hour (one kilowatt of power sustained for one hour), the plant will be built by EDF Renewables in the Negev Desert city of Dimona.
The station will span approximately 3,000 dunams (740 acres). Work is expected to begin immediately and will take roughly two years.
The plant will operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The developer will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance for a period of 25 years, after which the facility will be transferred to the state.
The Times of Israel Community.