Rutenberg Power Station

The Rutenberg Power Station is Israel's second-largest electricity generation facility, situated on the Mediterranean coast near Ashkelon. Operated by the Israel Electric Corporation, it is named after Pinhas Rutenberg, the visionary founder of the company and a pioneer of the country's electrical grid. Constructed in the late 1980s, the station consists of multiple units primarily fueled by coal. Similar to the Orot Rabin plant, it features prominent high chimneys and a cooling system that draws water from the Mediterranean Sea. The facility includes a dedicated deep-water pier for the direct offshore unloading of coal shipments. Rutenberg plays a decisive role in maintaining the stability of the power grid in southern Israel, supporting both heavy industry and rapid urban growth. As part of Israel's national energy policy, the plant is being gradually modernized to incorporate natural gas, significantly reducing its environmental impact. Its massive infrastructure symbolizes the industrial development of the region and the ongoing shift toward more sustainable energy production.

Nearby cities

Ashdod

Ashdod is a major coastal city and home to Israel's largest port, handling the majority of the country's cargo.

Beersheba

Beersheba is the largest city in the Negev desert, often referred to as the capital of the southern region.

Ashkelon

Ashkelon is a coastal city in the Southern District, featuring a rich history spanning thousands of years.

Eilat

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.

Rahat

Rahat is a predominantly Bedouin city in the Northern Negev, being the largest Bedouin settlement in the world.

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that lets you float effortlessly and mineral-rich mud.

History & landmarks

Makhtesh Ramon

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert is the largest erosion crater in the world, captivating visitors with its dramatic cliffs and colorful…

Nature

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is an endorheic salt lake located at the lowest land elevation on Earth, famous for its extremely high salinity.

More places

Ashkelon Oil Terminal

A crucial hub for oil transport, connecting the Red Sea with the Mediterranean and supplying international markets.

Osem Factory Sderot

A large food production facility in southern Israel, manufacturing a variety of popular Israeli snacks and staple foods.

Port of Ashdod

A major cargo port on the Mediterranean coast, handling a large portion of Israel's imports and exports.

Ashdod Oil Refinery

A modern petrochemical complex that produces and processes a significant portion of Israel's fuel needs.

Tel Lachish

An ancient Canaanite and Israelite city in the Shephelah region.

Ramat Hovav Industrial Zone

A major center for the chemical industry in southern Israel, home to numerous factories and waste disposal facilities.

Ashalim Power Station

An innovative solar power plant in the Negev Desert, featuring one of the tallest solar towers in the world and providing renewable energy.

Yatir Forest

Yatir Forest is the largest planted forest in Israel, located on the edge of the Negev Desert.