A launch ceremony was held today (Tuesday) in the Neot Hovav Industrial Local Council for a groundbreaking national project: the construction of Israel’s first facility to convert waste into energy.
From Trash to Power
The project, initiated in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Accountant General’s Department at the Finance Ministry, the Be’er Sheva Municipality, and the Neot Hovav Industrial Local Council, is designed to process non-recyclable household waste from residents across the Southern District and convert it into electricity that will be fed into the national power grid.
According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the facility is expected to reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, ease the burden on landfill sites, and prevent soil and groundwater contamination.
Promoted through Public-Private Partnership
The project is being developed through a PPP (public-private partnership) model. According to those involved, it is expected to significantly reduce the amount of waste being landfilled in southern Israel and offer an environmentally sound solution for some 800,000 residents of the Be’er Sheva metropolitan area. The facility will feature a sorting system and a thermal unit for energy recovery, utilizing advanced, state-of-the-art technology.
“Environmental and Social Justice for the Negev”
Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman welcomed the project, stating: “We are entering a new era in waste management in Israel—less landfilling, more advanced environmental solutions.”
“The first recovery facility to be built will convert waste into energy, reduce pollution, and support the Negev’s economy. After many years, we are creating real change and leading a true revolution for the benefit of the citizens of Israel and future generations,” Silman added.
Be’er Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich called the initiative a national move toward environmental innovation, which will promote public health and turn waste into a resource. “This is a state-of-the-art facility using top-tier technology already in use around the world, with optimal environmental protections, strict emissions standards, and strong oversight and enforcement mechanisms. It will handle only non-recyclable household waste from the Southern District,” he explained.
“We are taking responsibility—for what we produce, for our environment, and for future generations. This is a modern facility with environmental safeguards and strict emissions standards. Above all, we aim to ensure environmental and social justice for the Negev,” he said.
“Strategic Partnerships and Long-Term Thinking”
Yali Rothenberg, Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance, also commented on the significance of combining economic models with environmental infrastructure: “The establishment of this recovery facility is a clear example of how the state can create public value through strategic partnerships and long-term planning,” Rothenberg emphasized.
Dr. Gadi Alfasi, Head of the Neot Hovav Industrial Local Council, noted that the project positions Neot Hovav as an economic development anchor for the Negev: “This is a vital element in our vision for a clean and sustainable future for the entire region.”
