On Tuesday, a celebratory event took place at the Glilot base, marking the installation of an advanced bioenergy system. Led by Erez Zidon, the head of the Amon division in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the initiative focuses on a bioenergy system designed to convert kitchen waste into biogas. This cutting-edge system has the capacity to recycle as much as 500 kg of organic waste daily, producing renewable energy in the form of biogas. This energy will primarily be utilized for heating water for domestic consumption.
Currently, the IDF spends a staggering 80 million NIS annually on waste disposal and landfilling. The adoption of such systems, especially from companies like Home-Biogas, will not only decrease these costs but also amplify the renewable energy produced from the waste. By implementing this system, the IDF is making monumental strides towards environmental conservation. This move embodies the IDF's commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint, and achieving remarkable economic savings.
A ceremony held at the Glilot IDF base marked the IMOD & IDF's first-ever initiative w/ @Home_Biogas to transform organic waste into renewable energy on @IDF bases. The IMOD and IDF plan to issue another tender to purchase more kitchen waste recycling facilities for IDF bases. pic.twitter.com/I7keIF0kJB
ā Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) August 8, 2023
This pioneering facility's establishment and installation come as a result of the collaboration between the Ministry of Defense, the Authority for Innovation, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection. All parties are vested in introducing and executing environmental innovations within the IDF. As a component of the energy and economic efficiency program advocated by the Ministry of Defense, this facility is set to undergo a trial run for a year at the Glilot base. This testing phase aims to evaluate the system's compatibility with the IDF's requirements. Following this, the Ministry of Defense, in conjunction with the IDF, is planning to procure several similar waste recycling facilities for other bases nationwide in the forthcoming months.
Erez Zidon, reflecting on the initiative during the event, expressed his gratitude towards the Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Defense. He said, "Their undying support in advancing environmental innovations within the IDF is commendable. This initiative is just a fragment of our larger strategy to combat climate change and, in the process, diminish the IDF's carbon emissions."
Lt. Col. Pini Ben Moyal, who helms the logistics division, also commented on the IDF's vision: "The IDF prides itself on being at the forefront of advocating for environmental technologies. This effort to address waste and diminish our carbon footprint is just the beginning. We anticipate rolling out more such projects soon."
IDF to turn organic waste into renewable energy #AndyVermautLovesTheJewishNewsSyndicate https://t.co/ffVyjnsMit pic.twitter.com/6AzgG7hn1l
ā Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) August 9, 2023
Eitan Aram, the leader of the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Division, highlighted the significance of the facility's positioning. He said, "Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our partners, both within and outside the IDF, for championing this recycling initiative. Today, we witness the embodiment of the Ministry of Defense and the IDF's vision: transforming challenges into valuable resources. Our commitment to expanding the kitchen waste recycling process within the IDF is more robust than ever, with plans to intensify efforts in the upcoming months."
