The energy market is on the brink of revolutionary change, at both the global and local levels. Population expansion, high rates of economic growth in developed countries, and the rapid pace of economic development particularly in Eastern Asia are some of the reasons for the sharp increase expected in energy consumption over the next few decades. However, at the same time, we are witnessing a considerable deterioration of the environment due to pollutants associated with energy sources, difficulty in locating available land for energy facilities, increasing difficulty in producing fuel from “friendly” sources, and thus there is a growing dependency on unstable energy sources that are less favorable to Israel. The world as a whole, and each and every country independently – including, of course, the State of Israel, in its unique circumstances – are consequently facing extremely complex challenges when trying to ensure achievement of the supreme goal of a secure energy market, uninterrupted supply to citizens, and minimization of the negative consequences of energy use.

 At the Ministry of National Infrastructures, we are well aware that we are an inseparable part of a comprehensive international community, and as such we are taking active steps to integrate Israel into the global efforts, common to all peoples, whose goal is the well-being of the citizens of the world and safeguarding of their health. Israel is taking an active part in the activities of the European Community and of the UN, and is cooperating with the USA and with other international initiatives, to ensure Israel’s representation in this critical endeavor.

 At home, the energy market is undergoing far-reaching changes, and is likely to undergo many more of them in the coming decade and thereafter. The anticipated growth in the country is likely to double electricity consumption during the next 15 years; fuel imports are not likely to decrease – if anything, these might increase; and the economy’s imperative to introduce additional and varied sources of energy, especially alternative and renewable energies as well as to save energy and decrease demand without harming growth, will become more pronounced. The market must prepare for these needs and, at the same time, adapt the structure of both the public and the private sectors to be most appropriate for the future. It is with this in mind that we, at the Ministry of National Infrastructures, dedicate our considerable efforts.

 In the coming year, we intend to make significant progress in implementing structural change in the Israel Electric Corporation and towards instituting the necessary reforms in the electricity market, while ensuring the continued ongoing supply of electricity to all the country’s citizens. Thus, we will encourage the competitiveness of the fuel market and enable the entry of other participants. We will continue and indeed augment our major effort to establish the country's natural gas transmission system, and ensure the entry of new suppliers into the market, while reducing the use of polluting fuels and achieving significant savings in fuel costs. We will implement new initiatives meant to expand the use of alternative and renewable energies, while strengthening the bond between the public and private sectors, and placing significant resources at the disposal of new initiatives. These are but some of the ongoing activities being led by the Ministry of National Infrastructures in the energy sector.

 In all that we do, we, at the Ministry of National Infrastructures, rely on a stable and extensive base of professional knowledge, led by well-known experts with unique experience who dedicate themselves to the well-being of the citizens of Israel. Together with our colleagues at other government ministries and agencies, we are working jointly to bring about a clear and comprehensive energy policy which will serve all consumers equally and fairly. The challenges we face require a joining of forces, and under the leadership of the Minister of National Infrastructures, we have created frameworks for acting together to achieve the goals we all share.

 I would like to wish the loyal employees of the Ministry of National Infrastructures continued success in their endeavors, and to congratulate them on their progress in furthering the important issues on our agenda.