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Cleantech Expert: "In Financial Crisis Context, Israeli Solar Energy Companies Could be Shining Stars"
Upcoming Eilat-Eilot International Renewable Energy Conference to Mark Launch of Israel’s "Clean Energy Silicon Valley"
EILAT, Israel 19 January, 2009 - The Eilat-Eilot International Renewable Energy Conference (www.eilatenergy.com), one of the world’s leading renewable energy events, reported today that the current financial crisis will ultimately prove to be a boon for Israeli alternative energy companies still in their nascent stages.
"In the current economic environment with the spotlight on cost savings, there is considerable interest in companies with technologies connected to energy efficiency," said Jack Levy, a partner at Israel Cleantech Ventures, the country’s largest cleantech-focused venture capital firm. "There is also a focus on efficiency of systems and processes in new technologies for alternative energy generation. Historically, Israel has excelled in both these endeavors, so investors have much to look for here."
A number of the Israeli companies, including several "solar start-ups," will be featured prominently at the upcoming conference, which in addition to serving as a stage for the introduction of important renewable energy policy, is geared towards advancing investments in Israeli renewable energy companies.
Timna Renewable Energy Park
The conference will feature the unveiling of plans for the 200 MW Timna Renewable Energy Park, the centerpiece of the Eilat-Eilot region’s efforts to turn Southern Israel into the “Silicon Valley” of renewable energy, and the first opportunity for local and international companies to construct large-scale, government-aided solar plants in Israel. The conference will mark the launch of the RFP process for Timna Park projects, which will eventually include technologies from around the world, with planned projects to include a combined wind/solar "farm"; a solar thermal power plant; PV and CPV installations, a solarized turbine pilot plant and the production of biogas from municipal waste.
Earlier this month, the Israeli government announced plans for the construction of one renewable energy plant each year beginning in 2010 for a period of at least 10 years. The decision stipulates higher tariffs to be paid to solar power companies for the production of solar energy and a guarantee that by June three tenders will be opened for the construction of solar plants in the Timna Park. Conference sponsors Arava Power and Aora (formerly E.D.I.G. Solar) were awarded the first two solar licenses in Israel. Additionally, the government stipulated in their decision that by 2020, 10% of Israel’s energy must be generated by alternative sources, such as wind and solar, positioning Israel as a major player in the development of alternative energy technologies.
SCHOTT Solar
The conference also announced today that SCHOTT Solar, one of the world’s largest solar companies, will use the event to officially launch its Israeli operations. With more than 50 years experience in the solar market and 18,000 employees, SCHOTT Solar has targeted Israel and its history as a technological pioneer as a great opportunity to expand its business.
The company develops, manufactures and markets highly efficient receivers, a key component for solar power plants with parabolic trough technology, as well as innovative, high-quality photovoltaic products. The company will formally introduce its Israel team at the conference and will outline its plans for expansion in the local market.
"We see Israel as a leader in the development of solar technologies and therefore it is very important for our company that we establish a real presence on the ground here," said Aviad Levi, director of SCHOTT’s Israel operations.
About the Eilat-Eilot International Renewable Energy Conference
The Conference is an international forum encouraging discussion and debate of policies, technology, business and investment practices to lead to cost effective, doable solutions. Conference participants include leading researchers in alternative energy, government officials and policy-makers, internationally-recognized alternative energy companies and world-renowned speakers from business and academia. Over 1,000 attendees and dozens of journalists are expected to be in attendance. Some of the topics to be explored at the conference include: Renewable development in Israel, solar power, policies and regulations, and renewable energy technology.
Sunday Solar Energy is a Platinum sponsor of the conference. Additional conference sponsors include Aora (formerly E.D.I.G. Solar), Arava Power Company, Brightsource Energy, Chromagen, Erdinast, Ben Nathan & Co. Advocates, SCHOTT Solar and Solare XXI.
The conference will take place from February 17-19 at Eilat’s Herod’s Palace.
To learn more about the conference, and to register, please visit www.eilatenergy.com.
To schedule an interview with Hezi Kugler, Director General of Israel’s Infrastructures Ministry, please contact Matthew Krieger (see below):
Media Contact:
Matthew Krieger
Ruder Finn Israel for Eilat-Eilot International Renewable Energy Conference
Cell: + 972-54-467-6950
Office: + 972-2-589-2003
Email: matthew@ruderfinn.co.il
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