#United States #Tel Aviv #BIRD Energy #U.S. Department of Energy #Israel Innovation Authority

Major Investment in Energy Innovation

On January 28, 2026, a partnership between the United States and Israel reached a significant milestone with the announcement of a $4.4 million investment dedicated to three innovative energy projects, approved under the BIRD Energy program. The collaborative effort involves several key players: the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoE), and the Israel Innovation Authority.

Overview of the BIRD Energy Program

Established in 2009 through the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the BIRD Energy program aims to support cooperative research and development initiatives between American and Israeli firms. The primary focus of this program is advancing sustainable energy solutions, with an objective to enhance economic competitiveness, spark job creation, and bolster energy security.

To qualify for funding, projects must pair a U.S. company with an Israeli firm or an educational institution in collaboration with a partner from the opposite nation. This initiative requires that proposed projects reflect mutual interests regarding energy innovations. A rigorous evaluation process is employed to select the most promising projects that demonstrate technological merit and commercial viability. Notably, projects must cover a minimum of 50% of their total costs and agree to repayment requirements that are contingent on their commercial success.

Highlights of Selected Projects

The exciting projects approved for funding total approximately $9.6 million, with the BIRD Energy funding covering $4.4 million. The approved collaborations are:

1. Capow (Beer Sheva, Israel) and Avridh Technologies (New Haven, CT): This initiative aims to develop the world’s first perpetually operating autonomous pallet jack, enhancing logistics efficiency.
2. EVA Environmental Viable Solutions (Haifa, Israel) and Bayshore Recycling Corp (Atlantic Highlands, NJ): Together, they seek to create a low-energy cement alternative sourced from construction and waste materials, advancing eco-friendly construction practices.
3. IDE Water Technologies (Kadima, Israel) and Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): This partnership focuses on the innovative reuse of municipal wastewater through integrated separation and concentration of PFAS compounds, addressing critical water sustainability issues.

Promoting Energy Innovation and Economic Growth

Eli Cohen, Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the collaboration between the two countries is vital for enhancing economic growth and job creation in their respective markets. He stated, "The collaborative work in energy and innovation will solidify our standing as a global leader, promoting competitive energy production and security."

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, elaborated on the significance of this investment in energizing the dialogue between Israeli and American industries, which paves the way for each to benefit from cutting-edge technologies. He believes this paradigm not only fosters technological advancements but also bridges the gap for Israeli solutions to enter larger markets.

Jaron Lotan, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation, concluded by highlighting the critical role of these projects in advancing sustainable energy technologies. He remarked, "These collaborations will drive the transition from research and development to market-ready solutions, significantly impacting both the economy and society."

Conclusion

The recent funding approved under the BIRD Energy program marks a pivotal step towards fostering innovation within the energy sector while reinforcing the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel. It aims to yield dividends for both nations, creating jobs, enhancing energy security, and contributing to the global fight against climate change through advanced energy solutions.