Israel

Green Hydrogen Vision

Israel envisions green hydrogen as a pivotal element in its transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. With a focus on leveraging its innovative ecosystem, the country aims to integrate hydrogen into its energy mix to decarbonise sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation. While green hydrogen's role may be limited due to land and resource constraints, Israel seeks to utilise its substantial natural gas reserves for blue hydrogen production while exploring international partnerships for hydrogen imports. By fostering research, development, and demonstration projects, Israel aspires to become a hub for hydrogen technology innovation, aligning its energy goals with global trends and strengthening its position as a strategic bridge in the global hydrogen economy. 

National Strategy

Israel's 2023 National hydrogen strategy aims to facilitate the energy sector's transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050 while ensuring energy security and economic growth. It outlines a roadmap to integrate hydrogen into the energy system, focusing on: 

1. Developing hydrogen production and usage technologies. 
2. Establishing hydrogen valleys to promote regional ecosystems for production, storage, and utilisation. 
3. Promoting international cooperation for hydrogen technology development and trade. 
4. Creating enabling policies and regulations to support hydrogen integration. 

Capacity Targets

1. Production Capacity: Israel focuses on integrating hydrogen through minimal and maximal scenarios. By 2050, hydrogen demand will range from 550,000 tons (minimal scenario) to 5.2 million tons annually (maximal scenario). 
2. Technological Pathways: Hydrogen sources will primarily include blue hydrogen (natural gas with carbon capture) and imported hydrogen derivatives, with green hydrogen playing a limited role due to land and resource constraints. 
3. Sectoral Demand:  

• Transportation: Demand is projected at 22,000–278,000 tons annually. 
• Aviation and Maritime: Hydrogen derivatives will require 382,000–442,000 tons annually. 
• Industrial: Limited adoption in heavy industries, with demand ranging from 10 to 15 major factories. 
• Power Generation: Hydrogen will support electricity storage and generation in the maximal scenario. 

Impact Targets

1. Environmental: Support Israel's 2050 net-zero emissions goal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors. 
2. Economic: Foster innovation and attract investment in hydrogen technologies, leveraging Israel's role as an "innovation laboratory." 
3. Energy Security: Position Israel as a strategic bridge between hydrogen-exporting and importing nations. 

Policy and Project Spotlight

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoE), and the Israel Innovation Authority convened an Executive Committee meeting. This meeting resulted in the approval of five clean energy projects, which will receive $7.5 million through the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Energy program. The chosen projects focus on energy efficiency, hydrogen energy, recycling, and storage. Some of these projects are:  

• Lucy Borchard Shipping (Tel Aviv, Israel), in collaboration with Newlight Marine Technologies (New York, NY), will promote sustainable shipping by developing and testing hydrogen as a dual fuel for marine engines. 

• Nitrofix (Petach Tikva, Israel) is partnering with 1S1 Energy (Portola Valley, CA) to create advanced green ammonia solutions. 

Financing

• Investments: Substantial funding will be directed toward research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of hydrogen technologies. 

• Infrastructure: Focus on repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure and developing storage solutions. 

• Global Cooperation: Participation in international hydrogen networks to share technology, reduce costs, and create commercial opportunities.  

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure