Head of the Shin Bet security agency Ronen Bar has recently made a secret visit to Jordan, where he met with leaders of the Jordanian security apparatus.

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The trip to Jordan marks Bar's third visit with counterparts in the Middle East since he entered the position five and a half weeks ago. He has also visited Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.

Recent years have marked a low point for Israeli-Jordanian ties, due to an awkward relationship between Jordan's King Abdullah and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This March, tensions hit a new peak when a spat over carrying weapons led to the cancellation of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein's planned visit to the Temple Mount.

In response, Jordan refused to allow an Emirati aircraft to take off for Israel, where Netanyahu had been scheduled to board so he could travel to the United Arab Emirates.

However, despite this crisis and others, Israel's security and defense organizations – the IDF, the Mossad, and the Shin Bet – continued to work closely with their opposite numbers in Jordan. Former Shin Bet director Nadav Argaman visited Jordan a few times, and Bar chose to make Amman one of his first official visits to underscore how important he sees Israel's ties with the kingdom.

Israel shares its longest border with Jordan, and it is largely unfenced. Close security and defense cooperation serves the interests of both countries, preventing terrorists and weapons from entering the West Bank and Arab Israeli communities from the east as well as keeping pro-Iranian elements from approaching Israel's eastern border from Iraq. Jordan benefits from additional stabilization and help dealing with its own threats. One such example is Jordan's successful handling of the threat posed by the Islamic State.

Recently, there has been a rise in the number of attempts to smuggle weapons from Jordan into Israel. Israel's security establishment attributes this to growing demand for weapons, which has led to increased prices, as well as greater obstacles to weapons smuggling from Egypt and Lebanon. Bar's meeting in Amman probably addressed this issue, since representatives of both sides would naturally have discussed various terrorist threats.

Last week, Bar was in Egypt with National Security Adviser Eyal Haluta. He has also visited Ramallah, where he met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and heads of the PA security apparatus. The Shin Bet continues to maintain close ties with PA security forces, and over the years, these ties have helped smooth out a number of rough patches in relations between Israel and the PA.

Bar is not the only Israeli official to visit Jordan recently. In the past few months, President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have all made secret visits to Jordan, which preferred to keep the meetings at a low profile.

However, some high-ranking officials think Jordan could adopt a more welcoming stance to cooperation with Israel, especially now that the two countries have signed a deal that will increase the amount of water Israel supplies to Jordan.

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Solar energy plays an enormous role in our lives. If we can harness it, we can eliminate the need for polluting fossil fuels like petroleum and gas. But the main challenge in switching to solar energy lies in the varying availability of sunlight as the day progresses and seasons change.

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Since the electrical grid needs stable power at all hours of the day and night, use of solar energy depends on our ability to store it. But the current technology for storing solar energy, batteries, is inapplicable to solar energy storage in the amounts need to supply a manufacturing site, a neighborhood, or an entire city.

Researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have made a scientific breakthrough on the storage of solar energy, as reported by Energy & Environmental Science. A project led by Professor Avner Rothschild of the Technion's Faculty of Materials Science doctoral student Yifat Piekner from the Nancy and Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP  has shown that hematite can serve as a promising material in converting solar energy into hydrogen.

The process entails the use of photoelectrochemical solar cells, which are similar to photovoltaic cells, but instead of producing electricity, they produce hydrogen using the electric power (current × voltage) generated in them. The power then uses sunlight energy to dissociate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Hydrogen is easy to store and when used as fuel, does not involve greenhouse gas or carbon emissions.

One of the main challenges of photoelectrochemical cells is the development of efficient and stable photoelectrodes in a base or acid electrolyte, which is the chemical environment in which water can be efficiently split into hydrogen and oxygen. This is where hematite-based photoelectrochemical cells come into play. Hematite is an iron oxide that has a similar chemical composition to rust. Hematite is inexpensive, stable and nontoxic, and has properties that are suitable for water splitting.

However, hematite also has its disadvantages. For reasons that are still unclear, the photon-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency in hematite-based devices is not even half of the theoretical limit for this material. The new Technion research builds on findings recently published in Nature Materials and proposes an explanation. It transpires that the photons absorbed by hematite produce localized electronic transitions that are "chained" to a specific atomic location in the hematite crystal, rendering them incapable of generating the electric current used for water splitting.

But a new analysis method developed by Piekner and her research colleagues, Dr. David Ellis of the Technion and Dr. Daniel Grave of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the following data were measured for the first time: Quantum efficiency in the generation of mobile (productive) and localized (nonproductive) electronic transitions in a material as a result of photon absorption at different wavelengths, and electron-hole separation efficiency.

This is the first time that these two properties (the first, optical in nature and the second, electrical) have been measured separately, allowing for deeper understanding of the factors that influence the energy efficiency of materials for converting solar energy into hydrogen or electricity.

The research study was sponsored by the Israel Science Foundation's research center for photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for hydrogen production in the Petroleum Alternatives for Transportation Program, the Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP) and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI) at the Technion.

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Israel's Enlight Renewable Energy has signed an agreement to acquire a portfolio of photovoltaic solar energy projects, in several stages, that are currently under development in Spain, with potential aggregate capacity of approximately 490 Megawatts DC.

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The Spanish government recently increased renewable energy production targets to approximately 74% of total energy consumption by 2030, with most expected to come from solar energy, with an estimated additional capacity of 37,000 MW of solar energy.

The portfolio includes 10 projects in two regions, Andalucía and Valencia, which have some of the best radiation in Spain, and supplements the location of the projects the company is building and developing in Spain, currently in the Castilla La Mancha region. The projects are held through special purpose companies, which at this stage hold most of the rights to the land for construction of the projects and the approvals to connect to the electricity grid.

A consideration will be paid according to milestones based on the development of the projects, which is being handled by Spain's Renovalia Energy Group SLU, with most of the consideration being paid upon completion of the development and after all the permits for construction of the projects have been obtained. The first milestone is for an amount that is not material for the company, and it includes a guarantee for most of the rights to the land and rights to connect to the grid.

The average consideration upon completion of the development is expected to reach 85,000-100,000 euros per MWdc, depending on materialization of the various parameters of the different projects. Enlight estimates that the portfolio projects that materialize will do so gradually, in whole or in part, over a two-year period.

Zafrir Yoeli, senior VP of business development at Enlight, said, "This is another expansion of our portfolio of projects in Spain, which already includes the largest wind farm in Spain which is in advanced stages of construction (Gecama), as well as another 800MWdc in development.

"The new portfolio, which already secured grid connection rights to the national electricity grid, will add significant solar power in high-radiation areas and will diversify our production sources in the Iberian region," Yoeli noted.

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Local authorities in Israel consume an average of 210 kilowatt hours per resident per year, according to a new report published by the Energy Ministry on Monday.

However, the report said, there were over 30 local authorities are more efficient and consumed under 30 kilowatt hours per hour per resident per year on average.

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The report's data is based on questionnaires filled out by each local authority that focused on two main parameters: how much electricity each authority consumes per resident on average, and their total electricity consumption for outdoor lighting per square kilometers. The reports offer local authorities an opportunity to map their electricity consumption and make decisions that could help them save energy.

This year, 75% of local authorities submitted reports on their electricity consumption, compared to 65% last year.

What uses the most electricity in local authorities? According to the report, 50% of electricity goes to streetlights, another 30% to schools, and the rest is used by public buildings.

If local authorities take action to save energy, they could cut their electricity consumption by 20%, freeing up the money that goes to pay the light bill for other uses. The Ashkelon Municipality has found ways to cut its electricity consumption by 30% by using grants from the Energy Ministry and a grants from a joint fund run by the energy, economy, and environmental protection ministries. The city used the money to replace its outdoor lighting with energy-efficient lighting and install systems to manage energy usage and upgrade lighting and climate control (heat and air conditioning) in municipal buildings.

"Comparing data about energy consumption for every resident of local authorities is vital to making the energy market more efficient and finding more efficient and less polluting alternatives," said Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz.

Meanwhile, on Monday Steinitz convened for the first time a team of government ministry directors-general that is charged with promoting solar energy. The team, which was established following a cabinet decision to raise Israel's solar energy production to 30% by 2030, is headed by Energy Ministry Director-General Udi Adiri.

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CEO of OPC Energy Giora Almogi said Wednesday that OPC has recognized the potential of the US electricity market, with an emphasis on expanding operations into the field of renewable energy.

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According to Amogi, the US Energy Information Administration expects that coal-fired power plants and power stations based on fuel oil and diesel that produce some 130,000 MW will close by 2030, but that wind and solar-based power stations will be constructed that will produce over 230,000 MW of energy.

"There is growing momentum for increased development of renewable energy and a focus on a lower carbon approach to electricity supply," Almogi explained, adding that the US energy market was also modernizing its electricity grid and replacing coal and uneconomic nuclear assets with "efficient, highly flexible natural gas power plants."

Almogi said that CPV was a "pioneering company in its field" and operated in the biggest electricity markets in the US. Almogi also noted that since it was founded, CPV has constructed power plants with a total installed capacity of approximately 14,800 megawatts (MW), including approximately 9,950 MW of conventional stations in several markets, and wind-based power plants with a total capacity of approximately 4,850 MW.

"The deal also puts OPC directly into the areas of green energy, and especially into the areas of solar energy and wind energy," Almogi said.

OPC could obtain a holding in CPV of about 70%, and intends to bring in a number of Israeli capital investors. The company said it was negotiating with Migdal, Clal and Poalim Capital Markets.

The deal is pending regulatory approval.

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Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has reportedly said that Israel is interested in launching a pilot program that would transfer 25 megawatts from Jordan to Israel's national grid, powering thousands of homes.

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The report said EcoPeace, an organization comprising Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian environmentalists, advocates for the development of partnerships in the region, as saying, "Taking advantage of the supply in a territory as large as Jordan and where the sun is more available, would be cheaper for Israel than to produce this electricity itself."

EcoPeace Director Gidon Bromberg noted that "Israel has never imported electricity from neighboring countries," adding that such a move would be "a tremendous green agreement in the Middle East."

Jordan, for its part, is already buying natural gas from Israel.

According to The Guardian, EcoPeace shared a letter from Steinitz supporting the move with the Jordanian government, in an attempt to pave the way for a potential deal.

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The report found that 8.7% of Israel's overall electricity is now produced by solar energy –second in the world behind Honduras (14.8%), and ahead of Germany (8.6%), Chile (8.5%), Australia and Greece (8.1%).

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The figures reflect the Energy Ministry's ambitious 80 billion shekel ($22.8 billion) plan, unveiled in early June, to increase the use of solar power over the coming decade, as Israel's population and energy demands are set to surge.

Though awash with sunlight, at the end of 2019 Israel was producing just 5% of its electricity from solar energy. About 64% came from natural gas and the rest from coal.

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said the new target is to outpace rising demand and have solar power production grow to 30% by 2030, or about 16,000 megawatts.

The Energy Ministry aims to completely phase out coal by 2026.

It was also the first time Israel cracked the top 20 countries in the world in terms of its potential to install and exploit solar PV (photovoltaic) panels. According to the report, the cost of installing these panels is expected to drop significantly in the coming years.

"When I entered office in 2015, Israel was among the worst-rated countries in terms of solar energy production, and many claimed that we have no chance of hitting the targets we set for ourselves. I'm extremely proud that within just a few years we've climbed to first place in terms of solar energy production – among all OECD countries – and second place in the entire world," said Steinitz.

He added: "About one month ago I announced a new target to outpace rising demand and have solar power production grow to 30% within 10 years. What this means is that at peak afternoon hours, 100% of Israel's electricity will be generated by the sun, some of which we will be able to store for the night hours. This target will take us to first place in solar energy production in the whole world."

According to Steinitz, this ambitious goal wasn't determined casually.

"For an entire year, officials from the Israel Public Utility Authority for Electricity and the Energy Ministry sat down and thoroughly explored the following questions: Is the target feasible from a technological standpoint? What is the necessary scope of [energy] accumulation? What is the financial cost and can it be done without raising the price of electricity? What are the environmental benefits? Is enough land available to accomplish the mission? What changes need to be made to the national conduction network?

"Only after a year of research and consultations with the Finance Ministry, the Environmental Protection Ministry, the Israel Electric Corporation, and with international bodies did we determine this very challenging, but attainable, target," said Steinitz.

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As for the next goal, Steinitz said: "The current achievement, which catapults Israel to the forefront of the world stage in terms of solar energy production, proves that when you work with a vision and conviction, but eschew populism, you can attain difficult goals while preserving energy security and reasonable electricity prices. The next goal is to be in first place in terms of solar energy production, not just among the developed countries but the entire planet."

Steinitz said most of the 80 billion shekel budget will go into solar energy facilities to be built by the private sector. Other costs include upgrading the national grid and investing in energy storage.

By 2026, air pollution is expected to be cut by 93% in comparison with 2015. Under the plan, sunlight will be the source of 90% of the power produced from renewable sources, while other sources such as wind, water, and biomass will supply the remaining 10%.

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The IEC began daily, three-hour power cuts on Sunday, a spokeswoman said, adding that the company was "determined to collect the debt but disconnects the power in a reasonable and proportionate way."

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The cuts have led to afternoon power outages in Ramallah and Bethlehem, affecting an estimated 130,000 people, said Hisham Omari, who heads the Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO).

"When you have no electricity, there is no life. You stop life, you stop work, you feel the winter cold, for three hours," added Omari.

Palestinians in Judea and Samaria are largely dependent on electricity supplied by Israel.

JDECO buys electricity from IEC and then sells it to customers in the West Bank.

JDECO does not have its own power stations and relies on Israel for 95% of its energy supply. It buys the remainder from neighboring Jordan.

Omari said the company was "trying to take a 150 million shekel ($43 million) loan from a Palestinian bank to help pay off the debt."

He added that the PA was negotiating with Israel to reschedule JDECO's debt payments and end the power cuts.

The Palestinians have tried to reduce what they call their dependence on Israel for energy, in part through state- and private sector-funded solar energy projects and plans to build their own power plants.

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Located in the Negev in southern Israel, the Ashalim solar-energy project is the size of a small town and is currently producing enough energy to power an estimated 70,000 households, according to the report.

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Shikun & Binui Holdings Ltd. chief shareholder Naty Saidoff announced the start of Ashalim's commercial operations at a ceremony attended by Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz.

"Since I assumed office, I have used every possible means to increase the scope of renewable energy production, and by doing so, I expect to meet the government goal of 10% by the end of 2020," Steinitz said.

"The breakthrough in this field enables us, in addition to stopping the use of coal, to significantly promote the 2030 renewability goal," he added.

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