The Ashalim Solar Thermal Power Station, located in Israel’s Negev desert, is one of the largest projects of its type in the world. It is also the first solar thermal or concentrated solar power (CSP) plant to be undertaken in Israel by GE and our partner, BrightSource Energy.

The project combines GE’s experience in the field of turnkey power plants and key power equipment, such as GE’s steam turbines and Solar Receiver Steam Generator (SRSG) units, with BrightSource’s advanced solar field technology.

Under a full turnkey contract, GE is responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the solar power station and also will provide full operations and maintenance (O&M) activities for 25 years. BrightSource will deliver the heliostats and the control system of the solar field.

GE and BrightSource will design, supply, and install all the necessary equipment as well as manage the project construction and commissioning. This was a key advantage in winning the contract as it reduced project risks and helped accelerate project timing.

GE’s first solar thermal project with BrightSource Energy helps increase Israel’s energy security

Project Highlights• Produces 320 GWh of power per year

• Supplies approximately 120,000 homes with cleaner electricity

case study

Country: Israel

Project: Ashalim

Customer:Megalim Solar Power Ltd. (End customer: Israeli Electric Corporation)

Scope:

GE: EPC turnkey solar thermal power plant (steam generator, steam turbine and balance-of-plant equipment, transformers, and electrical systems inside the fence) and solar power tower

BrightSource: Solar field

Electrical output: 121 MW

Commercial operation: 2017

Ashalim Power Station, Israel

GE Renewable Energy

case study

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GEA32278 (01/2016)

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Customer ProfileThe project will be built and operated by Megalim Solar Power Ltd – a special purpose company formed by GE, BrightSource, and NOY Infrastructure & Energy Investment Fund. Power from the project will be sold to government utility Israeli Electric Corporation under a long-term power purchase agreement.

Harnessing the SunThe Ashalim power station’s concentrated solar power (CSP) technology will use 55,000 computer-controlled heliostats or mirrors spread over a 3.15 km2 area to track the sun in two axes. The sunlight will be reflected to a special type of boiler, a Solar Receiver Steam Generator (SRSG), which is located at the top of a 240-meter tower. When the concentrated sunlight strikes the SRSG, it heats water in the boiler to create superheated steam that is then fed to a steam turbine for power generation. Compared to solar photovoltaic (PV) applications, direct steam CSP has the advantage of being able to produce electricity for longer periods of time during the solar hours. The ability to operate during peak demand times reduces the need for utilities to build power plants to operate only during peak times – thereby lowering the overall system’s electricity production costs.

Environmental and Social BenefitsThe Ashalim plant will help increase Israel’s energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. At the same time, it will avoid 110,000 tons per year of CO2 emissions, helping the government achieve its goal of generating 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Locally, the plant could create jobs in a remote area during construction, as well as creating long-term employment opportunities for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility.

Innovative SolutionIts load generation profile allows the Ashalim plant to generate power in a more stable and grid-friendly way than comparable PV installations that fluctuate their output more rapidly depending on cloud conditions. Improved tower and receiver construction methods offer improved safety during construction. And the plant’s daytime power generation profile makes it well suited to countries with high power demand growth for air-conditioning or daytime industrial uses.

Low cost of electricity

Low overall system costs

Small environmental footprint

Technical Specifications

Power rating (max.) 121 MW

Power rating (normal operation)

110 MW

Fuel Solar + gas

Power from gas Max.: 15% (in one year)/50% (in one day)

Power tower height 240 m

Solar field area 3.15 km2

Number of heliostats 55,000