The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoE), and the Israel Innovation Authority have selected two blue economy projects to receive part of a $7.5 million grant under the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Energy program.
The two blue economy projects include one to accelerate the transition to sustainable shipping by developing and testing hydrogen as a dual fuel for marine engines. The recipients for that grant are Lucy Borchard Shipping (Tel Aviv, Israel) and Newlight Marine Technologies (New York, NY).
The other project, by Nitrofix (Petach Tikva, Israel) and 1S1 Energy (Portola Valley, CA) aims to develop the next generation of green ammonia.
BIRD Energy was launched in 2009 under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to foster collaborative research and development projects between the United States and Israel. This program focuses on advancing sustainable energy technologies to promote economic competitiveness, create jobs and strengthen energy security.
“BIRD Energy’s tradition of finding unique ways to expand the clean energy economy helps drive climate and energy security solutions for the benefit of both countries and the world,” said Dr. Andrew Light, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, Department of Energy.
Projects that qualify for BIRD Energy funding must include one U.S. and one Israeli company, or a company from one of the countries paired with a university or research institution from the other. The partners must present a project involving energy innovation that is of mutual interest to both countries. BIRD Energy said it has rigorous review process and selects the most technologically meritorious projects and those most likely to commercialize and bring about significant impact. Qualified projects must contribute at least 50% to project costs and commit to repayments if the project leads to commercial success.
The total value of the five approved projects is $16 million, including $7.5 million in cost-share funding.
“BIRD Energy leads joint technological projects that contribute locally and globally to creating more innovative and efficient energy systems,” said Yossi Dayan, Director General, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “It fosters a shared ecosystem, enabling Israeli and U.S. energy companies to collaborate, commercialize, and reach new markets.”
