Technion’s GTEP launches Israel’s national scientific center of excellence to develop the alternative energy supplies of the future.

Renewable, Sustainable & Alternative Sources of Energy


The group selected to establish this I-CORE is led by Prof. Gideon Grader, head of the Technion’s Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP).  The Center will be an Israeli consortium for the study of solar fuels. 27 senior researchers from the Technion, the Weizmann Institute of Science and Ben Gurion University of the Negev are taking part in this group.


During the first year of operation the Center will absorb new additional researchers, returning to Israel from Harvard University, Berkeley University and the Juelich Research Center.  


The Center of Excellence in Renewable and Sustainable Energy will conduct research on fuel production through the use of sunlight, focusing on fuel production from plants (such as algae and various agricultural growths), breaking down water to generate hydrogen, and breaking down carbon dioxide for the production of fuels. The Center will provide an unparalleled opportunity to advance this field on a national scale, through fruitful cooperation among institutions, and to leverage the research in Israel and abroad.  


The subject of alternative fuels is an incomparably important issue especially in light of the global energy situation. Especially worrisome is the situation regarding oil reserves – oil is perishable and large reserves are found in Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, many of which are hostile.   


While there are sufficient coal reserves to generate electricity, obviously the world cannot depend exclusively on coal, or there will be a major environmental problem. A project such as this is of crucial significance, especially to Israel. Helping to find solutions at the global level and reduce the world’s dependence on oil, will have a positive impact on Israel’s security and status, whether or not those solutions are implemented in Israel itself.


Research in this field in Israel is still in its preliminary stages, but it has tremendous potential to lead to significant breakthroughs in specific directions – something that the I-CORE will facilitate. This Center of  Excellence is an important step towards the development of alternative fuels and reducing global dependence on oil.


A key component of the I-CORE will be the establishment of central laboratories to bolster intramural synergies and promote team endeavors across Israel. This research cluster will contribute to the development of patents and commercial ventures in various spheres. The I-CORE will also expand cooperation with partners in the United States and consortia led by the European Union.