In a monumental step toward sustainable waste management and energy production, Israel Discount Bank has underwritten a groundbreaking NIS 453 million ($125.3 million) financing package for Israel's first anaerobic waste treatment facility. The facility, named Dia, will rise near the Gaza border, marking a new era of innovation in the Eshkol regional council area - a province that encompasses much of the border region with Gaza.
An Environmental Marvel in the Making
Scheduled to break ground in January, the Dia facility will be constructed over the next two and a half years on a vast 150-dunam (37-acre) plot adjacent to the existing Dia landfill. This site, strategically located between the kibbutzim of Gvulot and Tzeelim, will serve as a hub for state-of-the-art waste processing. The plant is designed to handle approximately 200,000 tons of organic waste annually, including materials sourced from advanced sorting stations like Greenet in Atarot near Jerusalem.
Using cutting-edge anaerobic digestion technology, the facility will utilize sealed, oxygen-free containers filled with specialized microbes to decompose organic household and agricultural waste. The process will produce biogas, primarily methane, for the national electricity grid, as well as high-quality fertilizer, offering a dual benefit of energy generation and soil enrichment.
Israel to get 1st facility to recycle organic waste and produce gas and fertilizer https://t.co/zTtrLB9KZs
— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) December 5, 2024
Modern air filtration systems will ensure the plant remains odor-free, dispelling any concerns about traditional waste facility nuisances. The operation is expected to drastically reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels and eliminate harmful practices like open waste burning, which has plagued the area for years.
Transforming Eshkol’s Waste Landscape
Currently, the Eshkol region faces significant environmental challenges, with organic waste dumped into unregulated landfills. This creates a breeding ground for pests, produces noxious odors, and releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas—directly into the atmosphere. The Dia project promises to reverse this trajectory, providing a model for responsible and sustainable waste management.
In addition to the new facility, the project will rehabilitate the existing landfill into a landscaped area and establish a regulated landfill for non-organic waste. A visitor center will also be built to educate the public about the transformative potential of anaerobic digestion and waste-to-energy solutions.
Economic and Community Benefits
The ambitious project is spearheaded by Dekel Infrastructures, a partnership between the Generation Fund’s BlueGen group (holding 50%), Migdal, and the Yaakobi Brothers Group. With an estimated income of NIS 2 billion ($550 million) over its 25-year operational period, the plant represents a significant economic opportunity for both its operators and the region.
The Eshkol Regional Council is set to reap substantial benefits, including revenue from waste delivery fees and municipal rates, projected to total NIS 140 million ($38.5 million). These funds will be reinvested to enhance local services, from education to infrastructure, ensuring that residents directly benefit from the project’s success.
A Vision for a Cleaner Future
The project has garnered strong support from Israel's Environmental Protection Ministry, which contributed NIS 173 million ($48 million) from its Cleanliness Fund. This investment reflects the Ministry's broader vision of establishing a network of similar facilities nationwide to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Technological Solutions:
— UPSCprep.com (@UPSCprepIAS) November 2, 2024
♻️ Anaerobic Digestion: Breaking down organic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, which can be used as fuel.
♻️ Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT): A combination of mechanical sorting and biological processing to separate recyclable…
“This project is a game-changer,” said a Ministry spokesperson. “It addresses multiple environmental challenges while generating clean energy and creating economic value. Dia is not just a facility; it’s a blueprint for Israel’s sustainable future.”
As construction begins, the Dia plant represents more than just an infrastructure project—it embodies Israel’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic growth. Once operational, it will serve as a beacon of progress, showing how advanced technologies can harmonize human needs with ecological preservation.
With its eyes on a greener horizon, Israel continues to lead the way in pioneering solutions for a sustainable future.
