Energy
The water sector is energy intensive, and Mekorot is therefore committed to reducing power consumption through innovation and efficiency. Smart engineering solutions contribute to and underscore our commitment to a greener and cleaner world.
The integration of advanced technologies and professional management enables us to greatly reduce the expense on power every year – the water sector’s extraordinary energy efficiency massively saves costs for the sector and the Israeli economy as a whole.
Our energy continues to flow even in emergencies – we maintain full operational continuity, including energy continuity, even as we deal with any threat or extreme event.
Our energy operations include
Renewable energy sources
The purchase and independent production of green power for water production and transportation in the supply system through the use of renewable energy sources: solar power – photovoltaic systems; water – hydroelectric systems; wastewater – biogas production; green hydrogen – a proprietary technology pilot. Increasing the use of renewable energy is part of our challenging target to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2050.
Advanced engineering systems
We operate high-output economically advantageous pumps, motors, and transformers (Life Cycle Cost (LCC)): the use of horizontal turbine pumps that save energy and maintenance costs, high-efficiency motors, regular replacement of electrical equipment, and continuous monitoring of energy consumption.
Integrated and holistic control infrastructure
Our water supply control infrastructure integrates SCADA systems, innovative operational models, and artificial intelligence-based Big Data management, analytics, and machine learning. The innovative technology space ensures energy optimization in the operation of the water supply systems on the basis of the required and projected consumption.
System and equipment health
We are investing heavily in this area as part of fulfilling the technological potential – the development of a smart artificial intelligence-based predictive maintenance system, in contrast to periodic preventative maintenance, which will increase operational efficiency and slash costs.
Power storage for energy efficiency and independence
We are leading another breakthrough measure to build power storage facilities. The new facilities are intended for the purchase of power from the national grid at off-peak hours for efficient and cost-saving use at peak hours. The facilities will also make it possible to expand energy redundancy in emergencies, together with realizing the advantages of hydrogen power storage technology.
Creating energy redundancy for emergencies
Our readiness for any extreme scenario includes the option of integrating different energy systems – both traditional and innovative – to supply water without power from the national grid by using diesel turbines and manual systems.
Purchases from private power producers
For more than ten years, we exploited windows of business opportunities to purchase power at competitive rates from private power producers. Our reservoir of power producers, large and small alike, supports the creation of a competitive power market in the water sector, which results in a further reduction in power costs.
Pumped storage
We have become an active player in the pumped storage market where we will operate and maintain a new pumped storage power station. The station, which will be built in the coming years in northern Israel, will be based on our rich knowhow and experience in operating mega water systems in collaboration with foreign companies.
That is not all…
- We have obtained a virtual power supplier license to supply discounted power to Mekorot facilities.’
- We have increased the water storage volume for maximum exploitation of lower off-peak power prices.
- We have greatly increased the water storage system.
- We convert low-voltage power to high and ultra-high voltage by operating especially large motors and pumps.
- We have developed real-time annual-outlook computerized planning models, including for wastewater treatment plants.
- We integrate hydraulic tools and simulators for pressure design and control.
- We map and separate pressure zones.
- We conform to the ISO 50001 Energy Management System standard
