Government moves forward on green energy production

Israel is about to get greener. After striking an agreement with National Infrastructure Ministers Uzi Landau and Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan, who were previously opposed to a renewable energy production plan, the government is expected to approve the compromise, which will be implemented by 2014.

The plan will allow solar panels to be installed on the rooftops of public institutions and large structures such as hospitals, schools, Jewish seminaries, universities and other public buildings. Under its tenets, the state will be required to increase its solar power production quota by 460 megawatts. The first 110 megawatts are to be allocated by 2014 and the second phase is to be completed by 2020.

By 2020, 10 percent of Israel's energy will be generated through renewable sources, according to the following breakdown: 50 percent of electricity from solar installations, 30 percent from wind turbines and 20 percent from biomass installations (waste exploitation) and biogas.

The government will also demand that the Israel Public Utility Authority review its renewable energy sources for power production. The Interior Ministry will also cut a significant amount of red tape currently blocking such renewable energy products.

The government will also demand the Israel Public Utility Authority to renew its renewable energy sources for power production. The Interior Ministry, in turn, will cut a significant amount of red tape currently blocking renewable energy products.