Solar Power Plants in the Negev Desert Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum New York City December 2007 Dan Weinstock Electricity Authority, Director Ministry of National Infrastructures

1. The Ask I am: Dan Weinstock B. Sc. & M. Sc. in Electrical Engineering Electricity Authority, Director Ministry of National Infrastructures Israel My Project is: Solar Power Plants in the Negev Desert This Project Needs: Partners Financing

2. Project Overview Israel energy sources for electricity production:

2. Project Overview The solar radiation characteristic in Israel in general, and in the Negev desert in particular, makes it one of the best place on earth for solar power plants.

2. Project Overview Annual Solar Radiation in the Negev Desert Ashalim Site 2200-2400 kWh / m2 / year 2100-2200 kWh / m2 / year

2. Project Overview The project is managed by a tender committee with representatives from the following entities: Ministry of Finance Ministry of National Infrastructures Public Utility Authority – Electricity The total project cost is estimated to be higher than $ 500 million.

3. Physical Description One option is to built two solar-thermal power plants (110 MW each) and one photovoltaic power plant of 30 MW. * The technologies for the thermal power plant might be parabolic trough or solar tower or concentrating dish. *The technical data are not finalized yet.

4. Financial Description The existing tariff for solar energy in Israel is about 17 c/kWh (for plants bigger than 20MW). Several financing options are being considered: Improvement of existing feed-in tariff regime Combination of feed-in tariffs and additional incentives, i.e., tax relief The financial models are being developed by expert financial advisors.

5. Project Needs We are looking for partners with knowledge / experience with design, construction and operation of large solar power plants. We also looking for international finance.

6. Project Timetable Government decision September 2007 PQ publishing January 2008 Tender publishing May 2008 Concessionaire choosing December 2008 Financial closure June 2009 Operation 2011

7. Contact Information Dan Weinstock Ministry of National Infrastructures Member of tender committee Phone: 972-2-5006861 Fax: 972-2-5006758 Cellular: 972-50-6206077 E-mail danv@mni.gov.il