The Ministry of Energy is implementing an investment plan totaling tens of millions of shekels in the north and south. The ministry, in cooperation with the Tnufa Latzafon Directorate headed by Minister Ze'ev Elkin, will invest NIS 70 million in energy projects in conflict zone communities.
The investment is part of the national investment framework in the Tnufa region totaling NIS 13.3 billion, which includes the multi–year plan totaling NIS 5.6 billion that the government recently approved. The move is budgeted within the framework of the basket that the plan provides to local authorities.
Another investment plan is underway in the south through the Hydrogen Valley project. In the first phase, the Fuel and Gas Administration at the Ministry of Energy is expected to publish a call for proposals for the establishment of two hydrogen refueling stations and the procurement of hydrogen–powered trucks, with an investment of NIS 12.5 million.
The ministry will allocate up to NIS 5 million or up to 50% of the establishment cost for a hydrogen refueling station to be established in one of the eastern Negev communities, provided that it is located at least 200 km away from the hydrogen refueling station established in Yagur.
The establishment of the station is another tier in the implementation of the government decision to establish the International Hydrogen Valley, which is designed to create an ecosystem for promoting the hydrogen value chain. The Hydrogen Valley will serve as an infrastructural and technological platform for examining all aspects of hydrogen production, supply, and use, and will become a hub for sustainable economic growth.
Minister of Energy Eli Cohen said: "This is an important step that will assist in the rehabilitation of the north. We salute the residents of the north for their steadfast standing and are investing in energy infrastructures that will improve energy supply routinely and during emergencies, and will contribute to economic development in the region. The establishment of the Hydrogen Valley will create employment opportunities in the Negev and contribute to growth."