Energy sector projects enhancing quality of life in Jerusalem

As part of the approved decision, support from the Quarry Restoration Fund will be considered for restoration of the abandoned quarry in Nahal Zimri Park, following a request by the Municipality of Jerusalem, as part of the general development of the park located south of Pisgat Ze'ev. The step is a follow-up from a meeting held by the minister, the director-general, and a professional team from the Ministry with Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Leon. The move was promoted as the government sees the strengthening of Jerusalem and its urban space as having national importance, with the park to serve as a green lung for the residents of the north of the city.

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, MK Israel Katz, said "The decision to approve my proposal for the restoration of the quarry in Nahal Zimri Park today, at the festive Cabinet meeting at the Western Wall on the occasion of Jerusalem Day, expresses our commitment to our united and beloved capital. When the restoration work is completed, the quarry will become an environmental anchor that will make a significant contribution to the renewal of the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood and the local community. Just as I did in the past with the development of the light rail, the opening of the Yitzhak Navon train station, the expansion of Highway 1, the construction of the Harel tunnels and the Highway 16 tunnels at the entrance to the city, and dozens of other projects, I will continue to strengthen the city of Jerusalem."

The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, said "The Zimri Park project is an example of a vision being realized, and of the excellent cooperation between the Ministry and the Municipality of Jerusalem. It is an additional project to preserve nature in and around Jerusalem, alongside existing parks and ones that are being established in the city, such as the Gazelle Valley Park, the park near Homat Shmuel, the Asbestonim Park and many more parks within the city. The promotion of the energy sector in Jerusalem, with an emphasis on renewable energy, is significant for the city and its residents, and will greatly contribute to the quality of life. I thank the Minister of Energy, MK Israel Katz, for his support, initiative and love for Jerusalem. This is reflected in his activities as Minister of Energy, as in all his previous positions, in the significant and diverse projects in Jerusalem. Happy Jerusalem holiday!"

Nahal Zimri Park

One of the urban nature sites in the capital. The park is on the outskirts of the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood, between Gal, Rahmilvitz and Duchifat streets.
The plan for the establishment of the park includes the development of the natural reserve that extends over an area of about 200 dunams, alongside the establishment of a visitor center which will include pools of water, walking paths, a community garden, sports fields, an educational farm, a visitor center, a parking lot, and a public building for community activities and commerce. Also, a bridge will be built over Gal Street to connect the public buildings, the public park and the light rail to the park. Similar to the Gazelle Valley Park, the largest urban nature site in the country, animals such as deer, rock hyraxes and foxes can be seen roaming freely at the site.

The project is the latest of many investments by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the capital city, which continues to be a leader in a variety of projects in the field of energy. A multi-year energy strategy plan that will provide the impetus for a long-term development and planning process to strengthen and improve the energy infrastructure, both in routine and emergency situations, is currently being promoted. This is being done by establishing independent electricity production capabilities through renewable means, developing storage capabilities, investing in electricity and natural gas infrastructure, promoting alternative transportation systems and electric charging stations, coordinating infrastructure throughout the city, resolving energy poverty issues, creating shade in public spaces, examining dual-use renewable energy in the city, and supporting various pilot programs such as development of the electricity distribution network in cooperation with the Electric Company and the Municipality of Jerusalem.

Minister Katz, Ministry Director-General Kobi Blitstein, Chairman of the Electricity Authority Amir Shavit, Director of the Water Authority Yehezkel Lipshitz, as well as a number of professionals from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure visited the Municipality of Jerusalem at the beginning of the month, met with Mayor Moshe Leon, and promoted the implementation of the government's decision.

During the meeting, it was decided to establish a forum to remove barriers to the implementation of the plan in the city. Also, a decision to bury all high voltage lines located in local authorities was presented to the Municipality. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in cooperation with the Municipality of Jerusalem, seeks to position Jerusalem as a significant player in the national energy economy, as this is a move of national importance to the State of Israel, which will make the capital a role model in the fields of energy among all Israeli authorities.

Electric Vehicles
So far, 170 slow-charging outlets for electric vehicles, and eight fast-charging stations, have been established in Jerusalem with the support of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. By the end of 2023, 190 additional slow-charging outlets will be established, and the number of fast-charging stations will be increased to 10. Up to now, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has provided a total of one million NIS to support the establishment of these charging stations.

Research and Development
Jerusalem is also on the map in the field of start-up companies. As every year, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure publishes requests for proposals by academic research institutions and the industry as part of the ministry's policy to establish an infrastructure of professional excellence in Israel regarding main subjects of the Ministry, and to promote research and development.
Two Jerusalem companies, Hydro-X and Dr-Ten, have received the support of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry in recent years.

Natural Gas
In addition, as part of strengthening the city of Jerusalem in the energy field, the Natural Gas Authority in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is promoting the deployment of the distribution network in the city. Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital is currently connected, and Shaare Tzedek Hospital is also expected to connect to the network in the future. Meanwhile, the Knesset is showing interest in connecting to natural gas, and talks on the topic have already begun. The Berman Bakery chain plans to connect to the network this year, and the "Matzot Yehuda" factory, located in Givat Shaul, is planning to do so later. Also, the Ministry is promoting the integration of natural gas infrastructure with city infrastructure projects worth NIS 11 million to reach additional consumers.