Beneath that impressive 1930s facade lies a story of power, resilience, and transformation at the Reading Power Station. The Reading Power Station stands tall at the mouth of the Yarkon River. It has been supplying electrical power to Tel Aviv since 1938.
This wasn’t just any power station. Pinhas Rutenberg insisted it be built to exacting architectural standards. Architect Ed Rosenhak designed it in the International style. It features a three-story central tower with two identical wings. Imagine 1,000 workers building this in a year amid the Arab Revolt.
The Reading Power Station is named after Rufus Daniel Isaacs. He was the 1st Marquess of Reading and a Zionist. Isaacs also chaired the Palestine Electric Company.
But there is even more history under the surface here at the Reading Power Station. The site’s story goes back to the 8th century BCE. The Assyrian Empire fortified the riverbank then. Later, in the 6th century BCE, a Persian settlement stood here.
During World War II, anti-aircraft missiles were stationed here. They were defending against potential Italian air force attacks. In 1948, during Israel’s War of Independence, Egyptian bombings targeted the nearby airport. The Reading Power Station survived.
The Reading Power Station comprised several power-producing units. ‘Reading A’ and ‘Reading B’ were built in the 1950s. Each could produce 50 megawatts. ‘Reading C’ and ‘Reading D’ were added in the 1970s.
‘Reading A’ was shut down in 1967. It became a public exhibition area. ‘Reading B’ closed in 2004. ‘Reading C’ shut down in 1981. Today, it holds a memorial for Yitzhak Rabin. Currently, only ‘Reading D’ is operating. Each of its units generates 214 megawatts.
Environmental concerns arose. Protests highlighted the station’s contribution to air pollution. It also polluted the Yarkon River. In 2005, the Reading Power Station switched to natural gas. This significantly reduced pollution.
In 2009, a committee suggested upgrading the station to 750MW. The plan aimed to increase efficiency and public access. The Tel Aviv municipality opposed this. They wanted the station closed and relocated.
Today, you can see the restored architectural facade. A preservation project is underway. It aims to restore the main generating hall, Reading A, from the 1950s. A park was dedicated west of the Reading Power Station in 2011. Paved paths connect it to Tel Aviv Port and the northern beach boardwalk.
The Reading Power Station now supplies only a small percentage of the country’s power. However, it remains a visual icon on the Tel Aviv landscape. It stands as a testament to history, progress, and adaptation.