IDF Base Turning Waste Into Biogas To Heat Its Water

An Israel Defense Forces base has teamed up with renewable energy firm HomeBiogas to turn its organic waste into fuel. 

The newly installed system at the Glilot base in central Israel breaks down kitchen waste and converts it into biogas that is then used to heat water onsite. 

The innovative technology can recycle up to 500 kg of organic waste every day, according to HomeBiogas. The company says the IDF spends more than $20 million every year on waste disposal – most of which is dumped in landfills. 

The move is part of a joint enterprise by the IDF, the Defense and Environmental Protection ministries and the Israel Innovation Authority to use green tech across the country’s defense establishment. 

“This marks the initial step towards bringing sustainable and circular economy practices to the IDF. We plan to expand this project and additional similar endeavors in the near future,” said Eitan Aram, the head of the IDF’s Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Division.

“This project represents another crucial step in fulfilling HomeBiogas’ vision of offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for generating renewable energy while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation and disposal of organic waste,” said Oshik Efrati, co-founder and CEO of HomeBiogas. 

Founded in 2007, HomeBiogas is headquartered in Beit Yanai in central Israel.