DOE, Israeli Energy Ministry sign agreement to establish joint center of excellence in energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and the Israeli Energy Ministry signed an agreement on Monday that paves the way for the U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Energy, Engineering and Water Technology, a joint effort to develop and deploy technology that diversifies energy supply and bolsters efficiency.

Congressional passage of the U.S-Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 set the stage for the joint center. Under terms of the agreement signed on Monday, the U.S. and Israeli governments will each appropriate $4 million to the center, and contributions from private partners will bring the initial funding goal for the joint center to $16 million.

“I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Energy of the State of Israel and the Department of Energy of the United States of America have signed an agreement establishing a new U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Energy, Engineering, and Water Technology to advance energy research and energy security between our two nations,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “The partnership between our two countries has long advanced the cause of freedom, dignity, and peace and, as we are highlighting today, the joint quest for science and innovation.”

The joint center will expedite the development of fossil energy technologies, cybersecurity capabilities in critical infrastructure, the energy-water nexus, energy storage, and additional areas that support diversity and efficiency of energy.

U.S. Sen. Marin Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Natural Resources Committee, called the joint center’s creation a “critical step” toward a cleaner, more efficient and secure energy sector in both countries.

“I look forward to supporting the center and ensuring that it take advantage of all interested and qualified academic institutions in the United States and Israel, including in my home state of Washington,” Cantwell said.

Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs, said the new joint center, which has long been championed by the chamber, marks a “significant achievement” in promoting economic growth.

“With the new Center, the U.S. and Israel will seize the tremendous opportunities they have to invent and develop new technologies and solve some of the biggest challenges in the energy, water, and agriculture sectors,” Brilliant said. “We look forward to working with both governments to support the Center and the growing economic relationship.”