U.S.-Israeli Businesses Free to Innovate the Future of Energy Through DOE's R D Program

We are harnessing some of the world’s brightest minds to develop and deploy clean energy technologies, paving the way for a greener future across the globe.

When Secretary Jennifer Granholm stated that the climate crisis demands an all-hands-on-deck approach, she meant it. That’s why the United States is partnering with top global innovators to advance clean energy technologies and create a more sustainable future.

A Strategic Collaboration for Clean Energy

To build strong alliances that drive the world toward net-zero emissions, the U.S. has teamed up with Israel to support industrial research and development through BIRD Energy—the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation Energy Program.

This initiative goes beyond international cooperation. It provides funding to both nations for projects focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural gas, and energy-water technologies like hydropower. Selected by the U.S. Department of Energy and Israel’s Ministry of Energy, the innovations must be market-ready to ensure they create clean energy jobs in both countries.

Since its inception 12 years ago, BIRD Energy has funded 60 joint U.S.-Israel projects, receiving more than $100 million in public and private investments.

For participating companies, this program is a unique opportunity to scale their green technologies internationally. With access to key resources and support, they can transform ideas into real-world solutions deployed in the U.S., Israel, and beyond. Over the past seven years, multiple BIRD Energy innovations have reached commercialization, bringing energy-efficient alternatives directly to consumers.

Turning Ice Into an Energy Saver

Have you ever heard of using ice to save electricity? Israeli company Nostromo, in collaboration with Centrica Business Solutions US in Bellevue, Washington, has developed IceBrick—a technology that shifts peak electricity demand using ice-battery storage for commercial HVAC systems. This innovative approach has the potential to cut energy costs for businesses and improve building efficiency. In fact, last April, the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills signed a 20-year agreement with Nostromo to install a 1.5 MWh IceBrick system—proving that clean energy solutions can also have a chilling effect!

Optimizing Energy Use in the Food Industry

Did you know that compressed air generation in the food and beverage industry—used for cleaning containers, sorting products, and packaging—can account for 10-30% of total electricity consumption? To tackle this challenge, Israeli company EcoPlant Technological Innovation Ltd. and Kentucky-based Atlas Machine and Supply, Inc. are developing a solution to optimize energy efficiency and improve air system reliability. Their goal is to expand this technology across food and beverage factories, potentially saving businesses over $200,000 annually.

Accelerating EV Charging for a Cleaner Future

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a key driver in the shift to sustainable energy. Recognizing their importance, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates significant funding for EV research, development, and charging infrastructure expansion. To enhance EV accessibility, Chakratec (Lod, Israel) and Blink Charging Co. (Miami Beach, Florida) are working together to develop ultra-fast chargers capable of fully charging EVs in as little as 15 minutes! This breakthrough could be particularly beneficial for rural areas with weak power grids and high-traffic zones with limited grid capacity.

These projects represent just a fraction of the many BIRD Energy initiatives shaping a clean energy transition. By providing innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest energy and climate challenges, these efforts are not only promoting sustainability but also creating jobs and making renewable power more affordable.

And there’s more to come! Last November, the BIRD Energy Executive Committee selected six new projects to receive a total of $5.48 million in funding, further advancing the program’s mission to build a cleaner, brighter future. To stay updated on what’s ahead, visit the Department of Energy’s website and check out the latest developments.