Energy, Economy ministries issue grants to convert 16 factories to gas
Connecting the internal systems of the factories to gas is expected to lead to halve their energy costs and reduce air pollution.
By SHARON UDASINA bulldozer works at a magnesium factory near the Dead Sea. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Aiming to reduce costs to industry as well as curb pollution, the Economy Ministry and the National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry are allocating NIS 4.8 million in grants to 16 factories for natural gas conversion.Connecting the internal systems of these factories to gas is expected to lead to halve their energy costs and reduce air pollution, the ministries said.These factories will join a previous 16 sites, which received NIS 4 million in grants over the past two years for the same purpose, according to the ministries.“Natural gas, which is a source of clean and more affordable energy, will lead to a reduction in industry energy costs in the future and will increase market competitiveness that will – at the end of the day – benefit the private consumer,” said Orna Hozman-Bechor, director-general of the Energy Ministry.Nachum Itzkowitz, director of the Economy Ministry’s Investment Center, added that “the assistance is intended to help the companies connect to natural gas, reduce operational costs of and increase their economic activities.”Based on their natural gas consumption needs, the factories will each receive between NIS 250,000 and NIS 750,000 in aid for the conversion process, the ministries said.Among the companies to receive grants will be Tnuva, Negev Ceramics and Tempo Beverages.
