Beyond solar and wind: Israel promotes geothermal energy

The Energy Ministry is, for the first time, promoting the establishment of a facility for generating electricity from underground heat in the southern Golan Heights. This new technology may enable clean and continuous electricity generation, independent of weather conditions, while assisting in meeting the growing demand for electricity across Israel.Driven by a surge in electricity demand expected - among other factors - from the expansion of AI and overall economic growth, the Energy Ministry has formulated a plan to diversify Israel's energy matrix.

While green energy efforts have primarily focused on solar and wind power until now, the ministry is shifting its attention to a first pilot project to establish a geothermal energy production facility in the country.Geothermal pilot in the Golan HeightsThis clean energy is produced by tapping into heat from deep underground. Thanks to rapid technological advancements in recent years, it represents an innovative and efficient energy source unaffected by changing weather conditions.

The action plan focuses on five key areas: Establishing the initial production facility in the southern Golan Heights (an area known for its geothermal resources), developing a regulatory framework, examining economic incentives, promoting research and development, and preparing for advanced technologies that will enable future geothermal energy extraction.

The strategic initiative is built on two parallel tracks: Advancing the possibility of generating geothermal electricity using currently existing technologies, alongside preparing for the development and implementation of next-generation advanced systems that will significantly expand the potential for geothermal energy extraction.Next-generation tech and long-term targetsAccording to a review by Prof. Brian Rosen, Chief Scientist at the Energy Ministry, advanced next-generation geothermal technologies (New Generation Geothermal) will reach commercial maturity within five to ten years.

These technologies will enable continuous and stable power generation around the clock, fully independent of weather conditions.Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated: "The goal is to diversify our energy sources and strengthen Israel's energy security through a renewable, stable, and continuous energy source. This reflects our desire to leverage Israeli knowledge and technology while generating non-polluting electricity for the benefit of our citizens' health."