Environment
Ormat’s core business inherently supports global decarbonization by generating renewable, low-emission power. Our power plants help reduce grid emissions, and most of our operations are powered by renewable energy we generate ourselves. We remain committed to reducing our own environmental footprint. We monitor and manage our greenhouse gas emissions, optimize water consumption, minimize waste, and implement site-specific measures to protect biodiversity and ecosystems in areas where we operate.
do you know?
Ormat has invested about $2.7 billion in low-carbon energy since 2019.
Our Role in Climate Action
As a global leader in geothermal energy, we are committed to advancing geothermal technology and delivering solutions that provide continuous, dispatchable renewable power. Geothermal power offers multiple climate benefits: it is available 24/7 year-round, supports grid stability, and emit up to 99% less CO₂ than fossil fuel plants of similar capacity.
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In 2024, Ormat avoided 2,488,811 tCO₂e - x11 more than our own emissions - equal to annual electricity use of 518,657 homes.
Our GHG Emissions
Our carbon footprint covers Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (purchased energy), and Scope 3 (value chain) emissions, calculated in line with the GHG Protocol standards developed by WRI and WBCSD.
Updated Target (2023): Reduce Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions intensity (tCO₂e/MWh) by an average of 5% annually, compared to the 2019 baseline.
Progress (2024): Achieved the annual 5% reduction target, resulting in a 23% decrease in emissions intensity compared to 2019.
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We are publishing a comprehensive Scope 3 emissions disclosure, following our first full analysis conducted in 2023. Since then, we have continuously working to enhance the quality and coverage of our reported data.
MANAGING WATER AND WASTE
We are committed to using water responsibly and sustainably across our power plants, manufacturing facilities, offices, and drilling operations.
Guided by our public water-related policies, we take a proactive approach to managing water resources. We assess potential impacts on local aquifers and groundwater systems through ongoing testing and environmental studies, maintaining transparency and accountability in line with our climate and environmental risk management practices. In regions facing water -stress, we take additional measures to minimize our impact, including using non-potable water where possible and designing systems that reduce freshwater demand.
In 2024, we enhanced the accuracy of our water reporting by aligning our methodology with GRI definitions for water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge.
We’re dedicated to managing waste and material use in an environmentally responsible way. To minimize our impact on the natural environment, we seek to reduce, reuse, reclaim, or recycle materials whenever possible. We’ve implemented voluntary waste reduction and reuse initiatives across our sites, including oil reuse, metal recycling, and construction waste removal.
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The majority (64%) of our geothermal energy generation is produced using air-cooled systems, which require little to no water.
Managing Our Impact on Biodiversity
At Ormat, we actively manage biodiversity impacts across all project phases:
- Exploration: We conduct detailed environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) as required by local authorities, covering ecological, landscape, and community-related factors.
- Noise Mitigation for Sage Grouse: Implemented noise reduction measures at McGinness Hills geothermal plant to protect Sage Grouse during breeding season.
- Planning & Construction: Each site has a tailored environmental plan to minimize disruption to natural habitats throughout the facility’s lifecycle.
- Operations & Maintenance: Local teams implement ongoing environmental management plans to address actual and potential biodiversity impacts.
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Our CDP Climate score is ‘B’ for the second consecutive year—above the North America regional average.