On 20 June 2013, Abengoa, a spanish technology firm and Shikun & Binui, an Israeli based global infrastructure group, have been nominated by the State of Israel as successful bidders in the BOT tender of the Ashalim concentrating solar plant.

Negev Energy, a joint company created by Abengoa and Shikun & Binui will build, own and operate a 110 MW solar trough plant with storage located in the Negev desert.

The plant will use the latest technology developed by Abengoa and will be able to store energy in order to produce electricity when required after sunset.

Electricity will be purchased by Israel Electricity Corporation over a 25 year power purchase agreement. Construction is expected to start in 2014 in the Ashalim area of the Negev Desert once the power purchase agreement and the project financing are closed.

Abengoa currently has 743 MW in commercial operation and 910 MW in construction around the world. It is one of the few companies that designs, builds and operates solar plants using both tower and parabolic trough technology.

Source: Abengoa Press Release