Emission Register: Orot Rabin remains Israel's most polluting plant
The 2025 PRTR report indicates a 12% decrease in air pollution costs in Israel, saving the economy 4.2 billion shekels. Despite improvements, environmentalists criticize the continued operation of coal-fired units at the Orot Rabin power plant, citing health risks to the public.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has published the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) and national air emissions inventory data for 2025. The report indicates a significant trend toward environmental improvement, reflected in a sharp decrease in major air pollutant emissions and substantial financial savings for the Israeli economy.
According to the report, the external cost of air emissions in Israel in 2025 stood at 34 billion shekels—a 12% decrease, representing a saving of approximately 4.2 billion shekels compared to 2024. Reductions were recorded in respirable particles: a 22% decrease in PM10 and 23% in PM2.5. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions fell by 28%, and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by 49%. Total greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3%.
However, nitrogen oxide emissions per capita in Israel remain 50% higher than the EU14 average, and the emission density of carcinogenic substances is double the European Union average.
Ministry Perspective
Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman welcomed the trend: "In 2025, there was a significant reduction in air pollution. Less pollution and fewer waste fires mean savings of billions of shekels for the economy."
Ministry Director General Rami Rosen emphasized the long-term trend: "These results are part of a long-standing effort where major pollutant emissions have dropped by tens of percent, in some cases over 90%. This reflects consistent work through environmental regulation and energy sector reforms."
Top Polluters
Despite reduced coal usage, the "Orot Rabin" power plant in Hadera remains the most polluting facility in Israel, with external costs of 1,705 million shekels. This follows the transfer of units 1-4 to preservation and an 80% reduction in their coal consumption.
Following it on the list are the "Nesher" cement plant in Ramle (1,358 million shekels, a 6% increase) and the "Rotenberg" power plant in Ashkelon (1,071 million shekels, a 13% decrease).
Environmental Criticism
The Sharon-Carmel Environmental Association has sharply criticized the continued operation of the Hadera plant. CEO Nir Sahar stated:
"Even in 2025, Orot Rabin is the most polluting plant in Israel. This figure illustrates the heavy health price the public continues to pay as long as the outdated coal-fired units 1-4 remain operational."
He noted that the association has filed a court petition against the state's decision to extend the units' operation until 2028 and ease environmental requirements. An expert opinion by Dr. Ofir Lavon, attached to the petition, indicates that the continued operation of these units causes a significant increase in mortality and morbidity in the area. The association demands the closure of these units and a national energy plan that ensures security without compromising the health of the million residents in the Sharon-Carmel region.
