A groundbreaking step in the field of renewable energy: The Haifa District Planning and Building Committee this week approved the strategic plan of the Hof Carmel Regional Council for the development of agro-voltaic installations, integrated systems for agricultural cultivation and solar energy production in the same area. This is the first plan of its kind in Israel, which constitutes a new model for combining sustainability, agriculture and green energy.
At the forefront of green innovation
The plan establishes a comprehensive policy for the establishment of smart solar installations in open agricultural areas, over a total area of approximately 190 dunams within the council's boundaries.
This area includes approximately 10,000 dunams of water bodies, 3,200 dunams of active fish ponds, and more than 1,000 dunams of artificial water reservoirs.
The new model allows for the placement of photovoltaic systems over cultivated fields, while maintaining the continuation of agricultural activity, preserving landscape values, vegetation and natural habitats, and maintaining bird migration routes.
Hof Carmel leads the energy future
Head of the Regional Council Asif Isaac He welcomed the committee's decision and said: "Hof Carmel continues to lead innovative environmental planning that connects land to the sun, agriculture to energy, and a past of agricultural work to a future of energy independence. This is a strategic move that combines environmental innovation with community responsibility and strengthens the local economy of the kibbutzim and moshavim of Hof Carmel."
Balanced planning between nature and development
Chairman of the Haifa District Planning and Building Committee, Ruthie Schwartz, noted that this is a revolutionary plan that was built after in-depth professional work: "The plan presented by the council manages to balance sensitive natural and landscape values with development and renewable energy needs, while creating certainty for entrepreneurs. This is a model that proves that it is possible to plan both on a large scale and with high environmental sensitivity."
Sustainable planning with a long-term vision
Itamar Ben David, an environmental planning expert who accompanied the preparation of the plan, added: "Hof Carmel redefines the relationship between agriculture, planning and energy. The combination of solar systems with agricultural areas and water reservoirs is an accurate expression of a sustainable planning concept that looks decades ahead. This is a move that places the council at the forefront of planning innovation in Israel."
Carmel Beach – A New National Model
The plan approved this week positions the Carmel Beach as a pioneer in sustainable and integrated strategic planning.
It is expected to serve as a model for other authorities across the country that are interested in promoting energy independence while preserving agricultural land and natural values.
The vision led by the council is to create Smart rural space, which combines traditional agricultural subsistence with advanced green energy solutions, for the benefit of a sustainable environmental and economic future.
Ma'ale Gilboa, an agro-voltaic site that is one step away from commercial operation.
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It is impractical and does not allow for growing food except in plantations. It will destroy open areas and seriously interfere with the existence of flexible and dynamic agriculture.
After ruining the landscape with ugly banana shacks, now everything else is just dazzling sights.
Bye bye to the beautiful fish ponds of Maagan Michael.
This is the price of progress. The whole country is ugly urbanism.