Energy Independence for Israel

Energy Independence

Today, Israel relies on the global market for
over 99% of its energy consumption, which makes us highly vulnerable. Our tense
security situation and the fact that our army is dependent upon foreign fuel,
prompt us to take action. We have the know-how. We can turn this situation
around. It has been done before.

Brazil, with its population of over 188
million people, is the third biggest energy consumer in the Western Hemisphere.
Yet, this year they will reach energy independence, according to Brazilian
government estimates. At Brazilian service stations, the driver finds fuel pumps
offering ethanol, gasoline/ethanol mixtures, and premium gasoline. Pure ethanol
is always the cheapest alternative – almost half the price of gasoline.

Sugar-based Ethanol

In 1973 world oil prices
quadrupled. Brazil, who imported 80 % of its fuel, saw its economy enter into
recession. In order to limit the country’s extreme dependence upon foreign oil,
the Brazilian government decided to introduce sugarcane-based ethanol as a
viable alternative to gasoline. Today, the flex-fuel car provides the consumer
with the possibility to choose the cheapest fuel: ethanol when oil prices
are high and gasoline when they drop.

Inspiration – not duplication

The major problem with the
Brazilian model is that it equates food with oil and links the cost ultimately
driving up food costs. Brazil should serve as an inspiration and not as a
pattern to move forward. Israel, with its unique conditions, will require a
unique plan. But before that can happen, a decision must be made politically to
become energy independent.

Further reading:

David Luhnow and Geraldo Samor;”As
Brazil Fills Up on Ethanol, It Weans Off Energy Imports”; The Wall Street
Journal; 16 January, 2006.
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu

Monte Reel; “Brazil’s Road
to Energy Independence”; Washington Post; 20 August, 2006;
http://www.washingtonpost.com

Neal Sandler;
“Israel presses for oil from shale - Proposed energy plant could help vastly
reduce oil imports”; Business Week Online; July 6, 2006.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737475/from/ET/

Daniel Engber;
“Where Does
Israel Get Oil?

If you're selling,
they're buying”;
Washington Post Newsweek;
July 14, 2006;

http://www.slate.com/id/2145704/