By Pesach Benson • April 19, 2026
Jerusalem, 19 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel is taking its first formal steps toward exploring geothermal energy as a potential source of electricity, a move officials say could help diversify the country’s energy mix and strengthen long-term Energy Security.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced on Sunday that it is examining geothermal power for the first time, including the possibility of developing pilot projects, regulatory frameworks and international research partnerships. The technology generates electricity by harnessing heat stored deep underground, offering a renewable source that can operate continuously, unlike solar and wind power.
“This move to examine the use of geothermal energy is an attempt to use Israeli knowledge and technology in order to diversify energy sources in Israel, and strengthen energy security, while producing non-polluting electricity for the benefit of the health of Israeli citizens,” said Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen. “We will continue to strengthen Israel’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation, and as a regional energy powerhouse.”
Geothermal energy is considered a stable form of renewable electricity because it is not dependent on weather conditions. While it is already used in several countries, including Iceland, the United States and New Zealand, global deployment has been limited by the high cost and technical difficulty of drilling deep enough to access sufficiently hot rock layers. However, Israeli officials say advances in drilling technology could make large-scale geothermal production more viable within the next decade.
A professional review prepared by the ministry’s Chief Scientist Unit estimates that next-generation geothermal technologies could reach commercial maturity within five to 10 years. These systems would allow electricity to be produced around the clock, potentially providing a steady “baseload” supply for national grids.
The ministry is now working on building what it describes as a “knowledge base, regulatory infrastructure, and technological ecosystem” to prepare for possible adoption of the technology. This includes coordination with academic institutions, energy companies and international partners.
According to the review, geothermal electricity production typically requires underground temperatures of more than 150 degrees Celsius. While such heat is usually found at great depths, Israel’s geological mapping suggests there may be viable locations within the country.
The southern Golan Heights has been identified as a particularly promising area, where a thermal anomaly may allow temperatures of around 150 degrees to be reached at a depth of approximately 2.5 kilometres. Elsewhere in Israel, similar temperatures are believed to exist at depths of more than five to six kilometres, according to surveys conducted by the Geological Survey of Israel.
“In the Chief Scientist Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we support the development of all aspects of the geothermal energy field, from supporting research in academia and industry, through promoting planning, mapping, and locating suitable sites, to supporting innovative technologies for efficient drilling at great depths and advanced geothermal systems,” said Prof. Brian Rosen, the ministry’s Chief Scientist.
The Golan Heights, a volcanic plateau in northern Israel, is currently the only region identified where geothermal resources may be accessible at relatively shallow depths. In other parts of the country, extraction would likely depend on future advances in ultra-deep drilling, potentially reaching between five and eight kilometres underground.
To advance the initiative, Israel has also incorporated geothermal energy into existing international cooperation frameworks, including energy research partnerships with Germany and the US-Israel Energy Center. These collaborations aim to accelerate technological development and evaluate the feasibility of large-scale deployment.
The ministry said a pilot project is under consideration to assess environmental impact, economic viability and regulatory requirements before any commercial rollout.
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