Yossi Abu, CEO of Newmed Energy, presented a general assessment: “By 2030, cumulative state revenues from natural gas should reach 85 billion additional shekels. It is the direct fruit of the gas revolution, “he said, stressing that, thanks to this, the price of electricity in Israel has dropped by 15% in the last decade, when in Europe it has jumped by 27%.
Abu stressed the importance of exports to ensure the continuous development of deposits: “We invest billions in infrastructure. Without export, development loses its economic viability. He said that around two thirds of the gas remain intended for the internal market, and that in proportion to the known reserves, Israel is positioned among the best -equipped countries of the OECD. He added that if new deposits are discovered, gas could lose its commercial value by the late 2030s.
This vision, however, aroused great opposition. Me Linor Deutsch, Director General of the Citizen Lobby Loby 99, expressed a firm criticism: “The real challenge is not whether to produce gas, but how much the public will benefit from it. The best geologists believe that there are no major deposits to discover. If we continue to export, it will remain less for future generations. She also recalled that past income forecasts did not materialize, and that the public paid the price.
Shagai Ganot Shahar, representative of the Ministry of Energy, has nuanced the debate: “Our responsibility relates both to short -term needs and to those in the long term. It is necessary to find a balance between investments, exports and energy security. »»
The chairman of the commission, the Vaturi deputy, concluded:
“We want citizens to pay less for their electricity and the reserves are preserved for future generations. »»
