Enlight Renewable Energy Announces $1.1 Billion Solar Data Center in Negev Desert
Israeli AI infrastructure company Enlight Renewable Energy has announced a $1.1 billion investment in a pioneering data center complex in the Negev Desert, powered entirely by renewable energy.
First Large-Scale 100% Solar Data Center in Israel
Enlight Renewable Energy is set to develop Israel’s first large-scale data center complex powered exclusively by solar energy. This ambitious project in the Negev Desert is a collaboration with Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, and the Israeli government.
The complex will feature a 50-megawatt data center powered by a 320-megawatt solar facility. Any surplus electricity will be sold to the national grid, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions. The total investment for the project is expected to reach $1.1 billion.
Enlight Renewable Energy CEO Gilad Yavetz commented: “Electricity is the main cost of operating data centers, and we are one of the largest and most efficient electricity producers in the country. This gives us a competitive advantage, enabling us to offer our customers attractive prices for electricity and data center operations, while enjoying stable and long-term profitability.”
A Strategic Expansion into Data Centers
Enlight’s expansion into the data center sector is a strategic diversification aimed at capitalizing on the growing demand for these services. The company will build and operate the new solar-powered complex itself, marking its first venture into this sector.
Following the announcement, Enlight raised $252 million from institutional investors, including Clal Insurance, Migdal Insurance, and the Phoenix Insurance Company. These funds will be used to accelerate the development of new renewable energy projects in the United States, Europe, and Israel.
Project Scope and National Energy Goals
The new endeavor integrates a 50 MW data center with a 320 MW solar farm, making it one of Israel’s largest solar energy projects. The data center will be powered entirely by the solar farm, with excess electricity sold to the national grid. This initiative also supports the Israeli government’s goal of generating 30% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
With a strong track record of developing and operating large-scale solar and wind projects across Israel and Europe, Enlight is a leading renewable energy company in the region.
Scheduled for completion by 2026, the complex will rank among Israel’s largest data centers. It will connect to the national grid and provide services to a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, businesses, and technology companies.
The project is progressing in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Energy, the Israeli Electricity Authority, and the Israel Land Authority. The government has also provided financial support and allocated land for the solar farm.
For further insights on Israel’s renewable energy initiatives, such as the solar storage developments at the Gaza border and the ambitious 100,000 Roofs solar initiative aiming for 30% solar energy by 2030, visit PVknowhow.com.
Enlight Renewable Energy’s investment marks a significant milestone for the company and is expected to accelerate renewable energy adoption in Israel. The project will also create numerous jobs, contributing to the region’s economic development.
