MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Their core work

Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is the national government body responsible for energy policy, water resource management, and natural resource governance. Within H2020, it acts as a policy-level participant in ERA-NET cofund actions, channeling national research funding into joint European programs on solar energy, water management, and energy system digitalization. Its role is to align Israeli national priorities with European research agendas and co-fund transnational R&D projects in energy and environment sectors.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early participation (2015–2018) centered on water management and international cooperation — three water-focused projects plus a smart grids initiative, reflecting broad environmental and infrastructure policy interests. From 2018 onward, the ministry shifted decisively toward solar energy technologies (CSP, PV, solar thermal) and energy system digitalization, with its three most recent and largest-funded projects all in energy. This trajectory mirrors Israel's national push toward renewable energy deployment and grid modernization.

Moving firmly toward solar energy R&D co-funding and energy system digitalization, making them a strong national partner for future EU clean energy initiatives involving Israel.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant — never a coordinator — which is typical for a national ministry acting as a co-funding body in ERA-NET actions rather than a research performer. With 100 unique partners across 34 countries, they connect into very large consortia (ERA-NETs routinely involve 15–30 national funding agencies). This means partnering with them gives access to Israeli national funding streams and policy alignment, not direct research capacity.

Exceptionally broad network spanning 100 partners across 34 countries, driven by participation in large ERA-NET cofund actions that unite national funding agencies from across Europe and associated countries. Geographic reach reflects Israel's associated country status in Horizon 2020 rather than selective partnership choices.

What sets them apart

As a national ministry rather than a research institution, they bring something most partners cannot: direct access to Israeli national co-funding and energy policy alignment. Israel's advanced solar energy sector (desert geography, strong PV/CSP deployment) makes this ministry a gateway for European researchers seeking Israeli collaboration and field-testing environments. For consortium builders, including them signals governmental backing and opens doors to Israeli research institutions and industry.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EnerDigit
  Their largest single grant (EUR 395,563) and most recent project, focused on digitalisation of energy systems — signals current strategic priority.
• CSP ERANET
  Concentrated solar power ERA-NET with EUR 306,081 funding, directly aligned with Israel's geographic advantage in solar thermal technologies.
• SALTGIANT
  Unexpected for an energy ministry — an MSCA training network on Mediterranean geology and deep earth sciences, reflecting broader natural resource interests.