Wind Valley

Leveraging the Wind Turbine Landscape in the Golan 

As wind turbines become an integral part of our landscape, this project aims to “turn the eyesore into a spectacle” by enhancing the areas where they are deployed. The Golan Heights stands out as a prime location for wind energy generation in Israel, having seen the installation of the country’s largest wind turbine fields over the past two years. Despite its extensive open areas, only 7% of these spaces are accessible to the public. 

Focusing on the existing “Emek Habacha” Turbine Farm, the project proposes to transform it into a tourist destination, celebrating the wind turbines. Experiencing the grandeur of a 125-meter turbine or walking through a vast “forest” of turbines is awe-inspiring and evokes a sense of smallness in the face of nature. The turbines represent the powerful yet invisible force of nature: the wind, which shapes our climate and connects different elements of the environment without boundaries. 

By utilizing the existing roads built for the construction and maintenance of the turbines, the project proposes a network of accessible pathways that encourages visitors to explore the farm and discover the natural, historical, and cultural sites within it. This initiative aims to leverage these areas for local businesses and create employment opportunities. 

At the heart of the farm, the project envisions a Wind Park. Given that strong winds have historically traversed the valley and will continue long after the turbines are gone, this presents a unique opportunity to create a space where visitors can engage with and learn about the wind. The Wind Park will invite people to experience the wind firsthand and understand its vital role in nature and the regional climate systems.