First collaboration in the field of renewable energy between companies from Israel and Abu Dhabi. EDF Renewables Israel and the renewable energy company of Abu Dhabi Masdar have now signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on projects in the field of renewable energy in Israel, examining opportunities in the field of renewable energy in Israel and advancing ways to meet Israel’s goals for green energy production. Future tenders.
The ceremony took place virtually through the zoom, simultaneously in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and France, where the parent company of the Israeli company sits.
The Israeli government has set a target of reaching 30% electricity generation from renewable energy by 2030 (an increase of 13% compared to the current target) at the same time as stopping the use of coal, and about a month ago Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a desire to reach 50%. To meet the new target, Israel will need to produce another 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
Currently, the two companies are partners in a number of projects in the Middle East and North Africa, including Al Dhafra’s solar project – which is set to be the world’s largest solar field with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts, and as part of the third phase, with a capacity of 800 megawatts in a solar park in Dubai. Part of the pool that develops the largest wind farm in the Middle East, with a capacity of 400 megawatts in Saudi Arabia.
The companies also agreed to partner in eight renewable energy projects in the United States, including: wind, solar and battery-powered electricity, totaling 1,600 megawatts. EDF Renewables has been operating in Israel since 2010 and manages 18 solar projects connected to the grid of 323 megawatts. And is currently building 17 more 255 megawatts projects expected to connect to the electricity grid during 2021.
In addition, the company is developing more than 1,000 MW of solar energy projects (including electricity storage) and wind energy, to be built on land of about 60 localities, at various stages of statutory planning and licensing, and construction is expected to begin in 2022-2023.
Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company currently operates in more than 30 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, England, the United States, Australia, Spain, Serbia, India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and more.
Minister of Energy Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “First fruits of Abraham’s agreements in the field of energy. Any investment that will help achieve the goals I set in the field of solar energy in Israel is welcome. The entry of MASDAR from the Emirates into a partnership with Israel International, which has been investing in renewable energy around the world for a decade. Achieve the goal of global transportation in the field of solar energy within six to seven years. ”
Muhammad Jamil al-Ramhi, CEO of Masdar: “The United Arab Emirates and Israel are launching a new era of cooperation in renewable energy and advanced technologies, which will benefit both nations and support our goals for clean energy. The State of Israel is known for its supportive business environment in this area, and we will be happy to work with EDF Renewables Israel. ”
Bruno Bensasson, CEO of EDF Renewables Global: “We are pleased to promote in Israel a proper strategic commitment to both sides. Israel is a country with significant long-term potential, where we see a hotbed for many innovations in the field of renewable energies. The commitment will also create synergy between the EDF Group’s subsidiaries.” A new page in the history of the Middle East. ”
Elon Venish, CEO of EDF Renewables Israel: “We are proud to establish the first energy cooperation between the UAE and Israel. The agreement with MASDAR will establish EDF Renewables as a leading player in the field of clean energy in Israel. We will work together to improve the performance of active projects in Israel, and expand our scope in floating solar systems. Storage, solar technologies combined with agriculture, wind turbines along with the promotion of other innovative technologies. ”