BIRD Foundation issues $4 million for joint U.S.-Israel clean energy proposals

The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with the Israeli Ministry of Energy and the Israel Innovation Authority for $4 million in funding for clean energy proposals

The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with the Israeli Ministry of Energy and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and announced on Tuesday that $4 million in available funding for joint Israeli-American clean innovative energy technology initiatives. The funding is from the Binational Industrial Research & Development (BIRD) Energy program, which promotes U.S.-Israel partnerships aimed at bringing efficient innovative technologies to the market.

 

Established in 2007 by the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act, the fund supports R&D projects which benefit both countries, and is focused on commercializing sustainable energy initiatives that encourage competition, create jobs, and bolster energy security. From 2009-2020, the foundation funded 55 projects through a joint government investment totaling $42 million with an additional $55 million matched by the private sector, attracting venture capital and other investments to help commercialize the sector. Some of those technologies include a self-powered wireless sensor for monitoring energy use in buildings, an enzyme for biodiesel production, a utility-scale solar concentrated photovoltaic system that employs a unique active cooling module, as well as a system that facilitates wind speed and power output forecasting for wind-energy generation.

 

The Bird Foundation has set aside $4 million for joint projects that help bring alternative energies into the market. Photo: Shutterstock

 

“The climate emergency is a global emergency—and the more we share resources and ideas with allies around the world, the closer we get to the clean energy solutions needed to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm. “BIRD Energy has a demonstrated record of success driving innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency that will help us combat the climate crisis.”

 

The foundation grants $1 million annually out of its $4 million fund. The deadline for final proposals is August 13, 2021, and applicants may apply for a portion of the grant on the official website.