Israel plans to start construction next year on what will become the fifth largest solar power station in the world, part of a plan to build three such structures that will curb their dependency on fossil fuels.

The $1.1 billion solar plant will be able to generate 121 megawatts of electricity by the time it's finished in 2016. That's enough juice to power 40,000 homes, and it's only part of the 250 megawatts that all three solar plants will generate. That's about 2.5% of Israel's energy consumption, according to Inhabitat. The project will also contribute to the nation's plan to generate 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

See also: Scientists Use Lego Technology to Make More Efficient Solar Panels

The station works by setting up heliostat mirrors that bounce sun rays toward solar power towers. The towers transform those rays into steam, which then powers turbines to make electricity.

Construction of the plants will be a joint venture teaming American company Brightsource with the French firm Alstom. Brightsource already has experience in building large solar stations. Its biggest project is the Ivanpah solar facility in California's Mojave desert.

Brightsource declined to answer questions about its Israel venture, and Alstom did not immediately respond for comment.

Image: Wikimedia Commons