Orot Rabin power station found breaching air pollution limits 40% of the time, new tests reveal

Emissions testing at the Orot Rabin power station in Hadera has found that air pollution exceeded permitted levels for 40 per cent of the time that its coal-burning units were operational. The findings, which are described by environmental campaigners as data “impossible to ignore”, suggest significant and ongoing breaches of Israel’s air quality standards at one of the country’s major electricity generation facilities. The tests were conducted as part of an investigation into the station’s environmental compliance.

According to the Sharon-Carmel Cities Environmental Association, the operation of these coal-fired units is generating substantial environmental and health consequences for surrounding communities. The region around Hadera, which is home to several industrial facilities, has long been an area of concern for residents worried about the cumulative effects of air pollution from power generation and manufacturing. The new data adds concrete evidence to longstanding complaints about air quality in the area.

The findings are likely to reignite debate over Israel’s continued reliance on coal-fired power generation and the environmental cost of electricity production. The Orot Rabin station has faced criticism in recent years from environmental groups seeking an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels. The test results suggest that even with existing pollution controls in place, the facility may require further intervention to meet legal air quality thresholds consistently.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.