Sources inform "Globes" that a strange phenomena of sinkholes has been discovered on the site of the large Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) power plant in the Gezer region. The problem is expected to delay the building of the plant by at least six months.
The sinkholes are a serious source of concern to the IEC, which urgently requires the erection of two additional power plants to reinforce its dwindling electricity reserves. Construction of the plants will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Two power plants are already operating on the site and producing 500 megawatts.
The IEC says there is no risk that the sinkholes will spread to the existing plants. The sinkholes, which up until now have appeared only in the Dead Sea region, swallow up every object in the area within a radius of dozens of meters.
The Gezer site is slated to become the second location in Israel after to produce power from natural gas. Ashdod is currently being converted from crude oil to gas. These power plants are scheduled to begin operating with gas in early 2004. The two new units at Gezer will be larger than the current ones; each will produce 400 megawatts.
The IEC said in response, "Sinkholes were discovered during land tests before expanding the Gezer site. The company has therefore assembled a team of experts to handle the problem in order to guarantee that the project targets are met." The team's initial conclusions reportedly were delivered to IEC president and CEO Jacob Razon at the end of last week.
The IEC experts estimated the delay would be at least six months, and recommended strengthening the land and foundations in the meantime. Another option is to move to another site, but the IEC is not considering this, because it would require new permits, which could take many years to obtain.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on August 5, 2002