National Transmission Network

The national transmission network of Israel Natural Gas Lines is the main artery for natural gas transmission in Israel. Network transmission begins at the receiving terminals located on Israel’s southern coast (in the cities Ashdod and Ashkelon). From there, the natural gas is transmitted under pressure through large diameter pipelines to “major intersections.” At these intersections, the gas enters a Pressure Reduction and Metering System (PRMS). Once pressure is reduced, the gas is transmitted to customers and consumers in the various regions of the country in a distribution grid comprised of smaller diameter pipelines.

The natural gas transmission network in Israelcurrently includes four main trunklines serving  the western, central, northern and southern regions of Israel. A schematic overview of the entire system includes the receiving terminals, where the natural gas suppliers deliver the gas and from where it enters the transmission system; the trunklines through which the gas is transmitted, the control gates located along the lines; and the PRMS stations located at the delivery points for customer use.

According to the existing plans for network development, the transmission network will be able to transmit between 5 and 10 billion cubic meters (Bcm) of natural gas (from the receiving terminals to the customers) per year, and approximately 1.8 million cubic meters per hour.

The following table presents the increase in natural gas consumption between 2004 and 2010 (in Bcm):

According to consumption forecast analyses, by the year 2020, more than 10 billion Bcm of natural gas will be consumed per year, reaching a rate of over 16 billion Bcm per year by 2030. The following table shows the national consumption forecast, based on data from the Ministry of National Infrastructures.