Leviathan pipeline: Healthier environment and better relations with Israel’s neighbors

“There will be nothing better for Israel’s environment than the introduction of additional natural gas,” said Bini Zomer.

By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Updated: NOVEMBER 22, 2018 00:44
Bini Zomer speaks The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference, November 21, 2018 (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Bini Zomer speaks The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference, November 21, 2018
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Gas will flow from the Leviathan pipeline by the end of 2019, said Bini Zomer, vice president of regional affairs for Noble Energy.
Speaking Wednesday at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, Zomer said the project is “going strong.”
The wells have been drilled and the pipelines have already been laid. The platform jacket will soon begin a six-week transatlantic voyage to be set in Israeli waters in mid to late January.
Zomer said that despite concerns that the pipeline would have a negative impact on the environment, “there will be nothing better for Israel’s environment than the introduction of additional natural gas.” He said with this new pipeline, coal will be displaced in the Israeli energy marketplace. Currently, some 70% of energy is produced by natural gas. With the Leviathan that will jump to 85%, and the rest will be covered by renewable energy.
“The Leviathan platform utilizes the best available technology to minimize emissions,” he said, noting that total expected benzene emissions are about equivalent to five gas stations. Moreover, emissions will occur 10 kilometers offshore and will not reach the shore.
“In exchange for that structure out in the horizon, the coal plant in Hadera will be shut down and residents will breathe cleaner and healthier air,” Zomer said.
It will also be healthier for Israel’s relations with her neighbors.
Zomer said Noble has signed contracts to supply gas to Jordan and Egypt, including already securing the route to deliver that gas to Egypt.
“Once Israel is connected through our infrastructure to deliver gas to Jordan and Egypt, Israel will cease to be an island,” Zomer said. “We will have greater relations and interconnectedness between Israel and her neighbors and this will provide energy security.
“Once we are connected, Israel will have multiple ways to interact with our neighbors in very positive ways.”