Israel Launches Natural Gas Platform in Coveted Tamar Gas Field
Israel has launched its first major natural gas platform in the coveted Tamar gas field in the Mediterranean, raising hope of energy independence, Israel National News reported.
The platform, taller than Israel’s highest building, is located 24 miles west of the southern port city of Ashkelon and is scheduled to receive gas in April 2013.
“With faith, perseverance, and vision, we have achieved Israeli energy independence,” said a jubilant Yitzhak Tshuva, controlling shareholder of Delek Group Ltd., an Israeli energy conglomerate.
“Natural gas will not only make electricity production more efficient, cleaner, and cheaper, it is a giant step toward freeing us from dependence on foreign energy sources, especially Arab oil,” said Israeli Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau.
The Tamar gas field was Israel’s first major hydrocarbon discovery within its territory, spurring the discovery of other major fields such as Leviathan.
Located roughly 80 kilometers off the coast of Haifa in waters more than 5,600 feet deep, the Tamar field is expected to hold over 9.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In 2010, American energy giant, Noble Energy, signed an agreement with the Delek group to develop the field.








11:36 pm
is there currently a working LAND BASED natural gas production plant for the tamar project or any project on the island of Cyprus or even in Haifa, Israel?
I am seeking employment and want to know where I would be located, or if the only current production plant is a floating one.
thank you so much