#Clean Energy #Israel #Tel Aviv #BIRD Energy

BIRD Energy Invests in Clean Energy Projects

BIRD Energy, a partnership initiative between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoE), and the Israel Innovation Authority, has recently announced a funding round totaling $7.5 million directed towards five promising clean energy projects. This investment stems from the Executive Committee meeting held on December 9, 2024, as part of the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Energy program. The collaborative efforts aim not only to enhance energy efficiency but also to foster innovation in hydrogen energy, recycling, and energy storage.

Established in 2009 under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, BIRD Energy aims to promote cooperation between U.S. and Israeli firms in researching and developing sustainable energy technologies. By funding mutually beneficial projects, the initiative seeks to bolster economic competitiveness, generate job opportunities, and strengthen energy security across borders.

Each project involved in this funding round includes a partnership between a U.S. company and an Israeli counterpart or institutions in each country. This year’s approved projects focus on advancements that promise significant commercial viability and technological merit, emphasizing their potential impact on energy innovation. It is a prerequisite that projects seeking BIRD funding contribute at least 50% of the total project costs.

The Five Selected Projects

Here’s a closer look at the projects that were awarded funding this year:
1. Lucy Borchard Shipping (Tel Aviv, Israel) and Newlight Marine Technologies (New York, NY) will work to enhance sustainable shipping by exploring hydrogen as a dual-fuel source for marine engines.
2. Nitrofix (Petach Tikva, Israel) and 1S1 Energy (Portola Valley, CA) are set to innovate green ammonia production with next-generation technology.
3. OASIX Energy (Tel Aviv, Israel) and EN-POWER GROUP (New York, NY) will validate a high-efficiency heat pump along with dual thermal energy storage systems for residential applications.
4. Phinergy (Lod, Israel) and New York Power Authority (New York, NY) will demonstrate an alternative clean solution to conventional emergency generators using aluminum-air technology.
5. Plasticback (Tel Aviv, Israel) and Freepoint Eco-Systems (Stamford, CT) aim to innovate the chemical recycling of PVC waste streams.

Reactions from Leaders

Dr. Andrew Light, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, remarked on the significance of these projects for strengthening bilateral relations between Israel and the U.S. in energy innovations. He emphasized that these peer-reviewed projects underline the shared commitment to evolving the clean energy economy, benefitting both nations and addressing global challenges.

Yossi Dayan, Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted how BIRD Energy promotes a synergistic ecosystem conducive to energy collaboration, emphasizing the various local and international benefits of these joint projects. The initiative aligns with Israel’s strategy to develop innovative energy solutions and enhance collaboration with U.S. partners in advancing energy technology.

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, added that the selected projects epitomize a commitment to pioneering solutions in the renewable energy sector, capitalizing on both countries' strengths in scientific research and application.

Conclusion

The BIRD Foundation remains dedicated to facilitating impactful partnerships in the clean energy sector. Jaron Lotan, Executive Director of BIRD Foundation, expressed pride in the supportive role that BIRD Energy continues to play in advancing these projects toward market readiness. As the global demand for renewable energy solutions grows, the collaborative efforts between Israeli and U.S. firms foster innovation that not only addresses local needs but also resonates on an international scale. The funded projects are anticipated to bring timely solutions to pressing environmental challenges, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations in energy efficiency and sustainability efforts.