JERUSALEM, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel will set up an international hydrogen and innovation valley in the eastern Negev desert in the country's south, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added that the valley will feature a hydrogen refueling station along with advanced hydrogen and energy technologies, including pyrolysis for hydrogen production -- a process that produces hydrogen through high-temperature material breakdown -- hydrogen-based power generators, and other innovative industrial solutions.

The project is planned to launch in 2026 with a government investment of more than 40 million shekels (12 million U.S. dollars).

According to the ministry, the valley is designed to create a full ecosystem for realizing the hydrogen value chain while promoting innovation in the energy sector, with a focus on hydrogen.

It will serve as an infrastructure and technological hub for examining hydrogen production, supply, storage, transportation, and end use in various sectors.

The ministry said the project is expected to support sustainable economic growth and attract research, development, and industrial activity to the region. ■