More than ever before, United States and Israel are recognizing their mutual national security interest in maintaining global leadership in renewable and alternative energy R&D and commercialization.  To this end, USISTF has worked closely with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy to bring a high level representative to speak at the Conference on Renewable and Alternative Energy in Tel Aviv.  See the agenda here.

This event, which the Foundation co-sponsored, deepened discussion about how cooperation between U.S. and Israeli industry and academia could best attain the goals outlined in the American Energy Initiative. The Conference was held in the framework of the Prime Minister’s Conference on Export and International Cooperation and showcased emerging Israeli enterprises in solar energy, bio-energy and energy efficiency.

Some of the keynote speakers included Richard Jones, United States Ambassador to Israel, Binyamin Ben Eliezer, Minister of National Infrastructure, Dr. Allan Hoffman, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus of MIT Institute of Physics, former director of the DOE Office of Science.  It also featured a scientific panel of experts who highlighted the cutting edge research being done at Israeli universities and research institutions.

Dr. Hoffman’s insights on current U.S. policies underscored the importance for Israeli stakeholders to form strategic relationships with U.S. industry in order to promote energy independence for both countries.  More importantly, his overview of the commercial and research opportunities gave specific examples of how to forge such ties.  Reinforcing Dr. Hoffman’s sentiments, Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus of MIT Institute of Physics and former director of the DOE Office of Science, spoke of U.S. advancements in R&D and future areas of focus where Israeli partnerships and knowledge could be immensely beneficial.

Cooperation in the areas of renewable and alternative energy technology can expand the possibilities frontier of each economy and will increase the policy options under the difficult geopolitical constraints facing Israel and the U.S.  To achieve its ultimate goals of stimulating commerce and economic growth, USISTF will continue to work closely together with government agencies, industry, and academia from both countries.  At present, USISTF is assembling a Renewable and Alternative Energy Task Force, charged with examining energy independence and clean technology issues and opportunity.

USISTF is looking forward to initiating new programs contributing to energy independence and clean technologies in the coming years, with the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of the Chief Scientist.