Since its inception in 2009, the BIRD energy program has invested more than $38 million in more than 49 projects.
By Shula Rosen
US legislators have lent bipartisan support to the extension of a bill to foster cooperation between Israel and the US in the development of green energy technologies.
The US-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2024 was introduced on Thursday by Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Brad Schneider (IL-10).
The newest bill is a renewal of a BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) energy bill that was passed in 2009 that was established to “promote bilateral cooperation between the
United States and Israel in energy development.”
In addition, the bill is designed to “address energy challenges and opportunities of interest to both the United States and Israel while focusing on commercializing clean energy technologies that improve economic competitiveness, create jobs, and support innovative companies.”
Since its inception in 2009, the BIRD energy program has invested more than $38 million in more than 49 projects.
BIRD funded flexible solar panels for wireless devices and solar energy projection systems that operate over reservoirs, and many more projects.
The BIRD program funds up to 50% of the project’s budget beginning with R&D and ending with the initial stages of sales and marketing.
The Foundation shares the risk and does not require repayment if the project fails to reach the sales stage.
Concerning the passage of the 2024 version of BIRD, Rep. Wasserman Schultz said, “This initiative not only strengthens our economic ties but also accelerates innovation, which is the key to protecting our environment while growing our economy.”
“By renewing and expanding this vital partnership, we can leverage our combined resources to tackle the most pressing energy challenges of today, while supporting clean energy innovation and job creation in both the US and Israel,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “This legislation will drive advancements in energy storage, cybersecurity for energy infrastructure, renewable energy, and more.”