Israel and Germany expanded the scope of their bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, by signing a joint work program for the year 2027, in the fifth consecutive year of the strategic partnership between the two countries, with the aim of developing emerging energy technologies, enhancing infrastructure security, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence applications in managing electricity networks.
On Thursday, the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced the signing of the joint program with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, in conjunction with an official visit by a German delegation specialized in the energy sector to Israel.
The 2027 cooperation program aims to develop advanced technologies, including geothermal energy and nuclear fusion projects, in addition to enhancing the exchange of regulatory experiences related to sustainable aviation fuels and clean, lower-emitting fuels. The program also includes studying the possibilities of storing natural gas underground, and ways to transport natural gas and low-carbon gases, as well as raising the efficiency of energy consumption in data centers, developing advanced solutions for charging electric cars in residential buildings, and using heat pumps.
In a related context, the Israeli Navy received the “Ahi Drakon” submarine, the sixth submarine in its fleet and the third “Dolphin” class, after sailing for about a month coming from Germany.
Technical cooperation between the two countries extends to include employing artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of electricity network management, and exchanging technical expertise in the field of protecting vital energy infrastructure, especially electronic security for control and operating systems, cloud services, and protecting digital sovereignty.
The work program also includes research into effective mechanisms for managing fuel and spare parts stocks, and raising the ability of energy facilities to quickly recover from electronic attacks and other damage, in addition to exchanging experiences on regulatory frameworks and emergency preparedness mechanisms.
The Israeli Ministry of Energy confirmed that this partnership effectively contributed to launching regulatory initiatives and implementing vital policies and projects inside Israel, supported by professional cooperation, joint training, and the exchange of delegations and experts in the fields of operating energy facilities and emergency response.
The roots of the German-Israeli partnership in the energy sector go back to March 23, 2022, when the two sides signed a joint declaration of intent aimed at confronting climate change and securing sustainable, reliable energy supplies at reasonable costs.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy explained that the partnership has focused, since its inception, on expanding renewable energy sources, developing modern technologies, and enhancing cybersecurity for infrastructure, as well as cooperation in the natural gas and hydrogen sectors and research and development activities.
The activities of this partnership – which are supported by the official website and the German Energy Agency (DENA) – are being implemented through two governmental working groups: The first deals with energy policies and technologies, while the second focuses on the digitization and protection of critical energy infrastructure. These two groups organize workshops, research studies, conferences, and mutual visits with the participation of government officials, research institutions, and companies from both sides, with a focus on renewable energy, storage, energy efficiency, smart grids, and confronting cyber threats.
The new action plan for 2027 adds broader horizons for cooperation, including the fields of nuclear fusion and artificial intelligence, in parallel with intensifying efforts to protect electricity networks and vital facilities and ensure the continuity of the flow of energy supplies.
