Forecast Israel Will Import Large Quantities of Coal from China Within Next 10-15 Years to Replace H

An Energy Ministry expert predicted yesterday that Israel will import large quantities of coal from the People’s Republic of China within the next 10-15 years to replace high priced oil as its principal source of energy. According to Eli Zohar, two-way trade will develop between the two countries.

Speaking at a scientific convention at Kiryat Anavim, Zohar said China was a potential buyer of phosphates, potash, bromine compounds and various industrial products produced in Israel. He said China intended to increase its coal exports up to 15 million tons this year. According to Zohar, Poland is another potential source of coal for Israel.

He said Israel will have to increase its coal consumption in the near future because of the upward spiral in the price of oil. Beginning in 1982, local coal consumption should reach I million tons and in the following decade, Israel will use several million tons a year because most of its power plants will burn coal. Israel will become one of the world’s leading importers, after Japan and France, he said.

NEW ENERGY SOURCES PLANNED

Meanwhile, Israel will embark on an effort to develop new energy sources. It was announced today that three major chemical companies and the Haifa Refineries have set up a new energy firm for that purpose, known as “Energy 2000.” It will concentrate on the development of coal and shale oil as alternative fuels in cooperation with overseas firms. Negotiations have reportedly begun with energy-oriented plants in West Germany and the U.S.

The initiators of the new company cautioned that this was a long-range project and should not raise hopes of an immediate alleviation of the energy problem. Max Reis of the Israel Chemical Corp., one of the firms involved, said alternative energy sources would not be available before the end of the decade.