New power plant in Ashdod: government greenlights project despite environmental objections

The Israeli government has authorized the Ashdod oil refinery to develop a new gas-fired power plant, overriding objections from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and local authorities. Opponents argue the plant will worsen air quality in one of the country's most polluted areas and derail the national emissions reduction program. The initiative was spearheaded by Energy Minister Eli Cohen.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Israeli government authorized the oil refinery in Ashdod to begin developing a new natural gas power plant. The decision was made despite objections from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and local authorities. The initiative was led by Energy Minister Eli Cohen. This step only involves project preparation, not construction approval—the documentation must still be approved by the National Infrastructure Commission. Opponents of the project point to additional strain on one of Israel's most polluted areas. Ashdod's northern industrial zone, home to heavy industry and the port, ranks first in volatile organic compound emissions and second in nitrogen oxide and carcinogen emissions. No sustained improvement has been recorded over the past decade. A Health Ministry report for 2017–2022 found elevated rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in communities affected by pollution. The Ministry of Environmental Protection warned that the new plant could undermine the national pollution reduction program approved in June. The Yavne municipality also opposed the plan, reporting residents' complaints of breathing difficulties. Shai Reichner, head of the Ashdod–Hevel Yavne environmental association, noted that the area already produces about 14% of Israel's electricity with 4% of the population, stating: "You cannot reduce pollution with one hand while adding a power plant with the other." Environmental organizations also highlighted the vulnerability of large plants to rocket attacks, calling for distributed renewable generation. The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the decision only initiates preliminary planning to meet the country's electricity needs and promised to examine environmental issues during project preparation. A similar proposal for a plant at "Park Palmachim" was removed from the agenda after resident protests.