Israel launches energy efficiency plan in southern region

Israel launched a plan for energy efficiency in local authorities, factories and commercial buildings in the southern region at a cost of 13 million new shekels (about 3.7 million U.S. dollars), the state's Ministry of Energy said on Monday.

The program includes grant allocation to 12 selected bodies for optimizing their energy consumption, financial savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The projects include upgrading lighting systems, replacing old central cooling units with new efficient ones, and installing energy management systems, ceiling fans, thermal systems, and heat pumps.

This is a part of a multi-year governmental plan for the development of southern Israel, under which 50 million new shekels (14.2 million dollars) has been allocated for energy efficiency in southern cities and towns.

Israel's Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz said the program will significantly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet the national goal of reducing energy consumption and reduce energy expenditures.

(XINHUA)