I do 
!
While I’m terribly disappointed with the results of several of the California propositions that I supported, these were BIG elections. History in the making, etc., etc., etc. Makes me proud to have taken part.
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Israel Cleantech Delegation to California
The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is organizing an Israeli Clenatech delegation to California, Nov. 10–13, 2008. Participants in the delegation will have the opportunity to present their company to and meet privately and engage in roundtable discussions with leading investors, corporate partners, policymakers, as well as scientific and academic experts. Hosting corporations include: GE, Google, PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.
Paticipants will also enjoy exclusive tours of California cleantech companies and facilities.
Companys that are interested in applying, can access the application form at www.cicc-cleantech.com.
Impressions from Valencia
(English version of Globes article, published in print today.)
The first week of September is a busy week for most. Kids go back to school, parents back to work, and pretty much everybody struggles to adjust back to routine. These past 2 years, I have added another “to do” to my list for that first week of September – the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference. As most people will say, the conference brings to together the “who’s who” of the PV solar industry, which means it’s not to be missed.
As the airplane flies from Madrid to Valencia, you can certainly understand why the conference was held in Spain; Dotting the scenery, you can see solar farms, side-by-side with roads, towns and orange groves.
The solar electricity market is booming. The industry is growing faster than predicted, over 50% each year, with over 9,200 MW (almost enough to power all of Israel) having been installed at the end of 2007. Competition among manufacturers increases, with new, undifferentiated players, many from China, visible throughout the exhibition floor. In parallel, government initiatives increasingly support the development of solar electricity throughout the world, expanding to new countries including Australia, Greece, India, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and even here in Israel (even though we are not yet able to reap it’s benefits).
What we are seeing today is a preview to the transformation and expansion expected to occur over the coming decades. One of the main arguments heard from critics of solar electricity is that its costs are not yet competitive with those of conventional power sources. The entire industry is talking about megawatts and how many dollars to produce them. Manufacturers seek ways to increase efficiency for PV modules, in parallel to reducing the amount of raw materials required and made production lines faster with higher uniformity. However, improvement of existing technologies is not the only factor that will drive down production costs. Enter the opportunity for innovation.
This years’ conference (the 23rd in number), drew 30,000 delegates and 600 exhibitors from over 80 countries, Israel included. However, compared with much of my past conference experience (e.g. RSA security show), Hebrew was rarely spoken. I was questioned by quite a few about this point, as Israeli’s are well-known for their imagination and innovation. It is no big secret that alternative energy is strategic for Israel as a country, and we have plenty of sunshine, yet we are far from the solar powerhouse that one would expect.
Allow me to quote Thomas Friedman(famed columnist from the NY Times) from his Sep. 3rd OpEd “… renewable energy technologies - what I call “E.T.” - are going to constitute the next great global industry. They will rival and probably surpass “I.T.” - information technology. The country that spawns the most E.T. companies will enjoy more economic power, strategic advantage and rising standards of living.”
One thing is certain, the solar industry is closing the gap towards achieving grid parity (the point at which photovoltaic electricity is equal to or cheaper than conventional grid power), some say by 2010-2012. It is our collective responsibility to make sure that Israel takes a leading role in making this happen.
Israel Cleantech Meetup #4
Compare the picture on the right, with the photo on my post regarding Cleantech Meetup #3. What’s the difference? Probably 50 people…
A little over 3 months ago, ICV’s Jonathan Shapira and Gene Dolgin initiated the Israel Cleantech Meetup group. Each meetup being a networking opportunity for Israel’s growing Cleantech community.
Today’s meetup hosted Dr. Isaac Berzin, the founder of Boston-based GreenFuel Technologies. Dr. Berzin discussed his current plans to establish an Institute for Alternative Energy Policy in Israel, as part of the IDC in Herzelia, as well as answer many algae-related questions.
Next meetup will definitely require a microphone.
Houston, we have lift off
We all knew if was being discussed. We knew there were major objections and obstacles, and we knew it was near, so, so near, but FINALLY it is here! Of course, I’m referring to the official approved solar feed-in tarrif or 2.01 NIS/kWh, which ~4x the current price of electricity here in Israel.
How will it work? Starting July 1st, when I install a PV system at home, the electric company will buy all electricity generated at the rate of 2.01, guaranteed for 20 years. In the evening (or when there is no sun), we will purchase electricity for the going rate. At the end of the month, a balance is paid (although, I haven’t understood what happens if I’ve generated more electricity that I’ve used – do they pay me???). Essentially, the same principal as Spain and Germany.
So does this make PV installations in Israel economical? According to the government publications, this should adopters a 14% IRR over a 20 year period. So not only the satisfaction of using a renewable, clean resource, but also a worthwhile investment.
Let the sun shine!
He's one in a million!
…Actually he’s 18 from 1100, and I’m referring to my former partner Adi Pundak-Mintz, one of the chosen 18 for the 2008 Yale World Fellows Program. The World Fellows Program aims to build a worldwide network of emerging leaders and broaden international understanding. Adi will join 17 other accomplished men and women from government, business, the media and civil society organizations representing countries across the globe for a four-month leadership program at Yale.
I was actually going to blog about various ways to pass one’s mid-life crisis, using the Yale World Fellows Program as an example, but changed my mind. It’s the result of a desire to make a difference!
Congratulations Adi!
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