Boosting the economies of Texas and Israel by connecting businesses to explore new market opportunities.

HOUSTON TX, SEPT. 14, 2011 — The 2^nd Annual Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference in Houston was a resounding success.  The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Israel Economic Mission to the Southern Region hosted more than 150 participants, representing a wide array of Texas and U.S. companies and organizations, as well as government officials, along with 11 innovative Israeli clean energy companies.

This one-day innovative conference, hosted at the downtown Hotel ZaZa, focused on establishing relationships between Israeli and Texas companies through extensive networking, one-on-one meetings, and thought provoking presentations by local and international clean energy experts.   Some of the topics discussed were cross-border transactions, protecting critical infrastructure, smart grid deployment, water re-use experiences in Israel & Texas,and energy & water nexus.

Prominent participants from the corporate world such as Waste Management, Ernst & Young, IBM, and IDE interacted with the Israeli companies that attended, along with many Texas utility companies and government official, Barry Smitherman, Commissioner, Railroad Commission of Texas.

Attendees raved about the relevant topics and speakers, networking opportunities, and collaborative atmosphere in support of bringing Israeli and Texas companies together to further the global development of clean energy.  Roee Madai, Israel’s Economic Consul in the US South stated, “Texas and Israel are both leaders in clean technology. Cleanovation is a great opportunity for all companies involved to share and explore cutting-edge innovations in clean water and energy.” A returning Cleanovation attendee, Jonathan Shapiro, CEO of The Texas Institute said, “I found this year’s conference to be the most valuable conference I attended all year.  The combination of meet innovative Israeli company executives, and Texas business leaders allowed me to create new and important business connections, and be educated about cutting-edge new technologies. I’ll definitely be a sponsor next year!”

Major Sponsors included: Waste Management, McGuireWoods, IDE, Ernst & Young, CenterPoint Energy, and Get a Room.

Shaping the Future of Clean Energy & Water

About the Conference

On September 14, 2011 — the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Israel’s Economic Mission to the Southern Region are hosting a clean energy conference – the 2^nd Annual Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference 2011.  This conference will feature innovative Israeli companies and high profile US national & Texas-based companies.

Companies Attending: Waste Management, Ernst & Young, CenterPoint Energy, IDE, McGuireWoods, GE Digital Energy, IBM, Chevron Energy Technology Company, Ein Netafim, Clear Results Consulting,  Mapal Green Energy, Amida, Alvarion, Gnrgy, Enverid, Environmental Energy Resources, DST, Nimrod Industries, Chromagen, Austin Technology Incubator, San Antonio Water System, El Paso Water Utilities, National Algae Association, Beemtech, Green Mountain Energy, The Dow Chemical Company, Waterfall Security Solutions, CDM, Resources Renewable,USA, and more..

Texas and Israel Come Together for Clean Energy

Israel is known for its leading advances in water technologies, energy efficiency, and smart grid technologies while Texas is renowned for being a leader in clean energy production.  The Texas-Israel connection began this summer when the Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro took a delegation to Israel on a fact-finding tour which resulted in him signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ein Netafim Eilat water utility to fuel cooperation between the two cities for mutual improvements of their wastewater and recycled-water systems.

Another Texas initiative is Fort Worth’s innovation in water re-use and reclamation.  The city’s treatment plant processes wastewater for re-use in watering its golf courses.  Each unit of reclaimable water costs about 40 percent less than conventional potable water.  This cost effective innovation and the current 10-month drought in Texas has prompted a flurry of calls to Fort Worth’s plant asking for reclaimed water.  Israel also has a reputation in water re-use and reclamation.  Relative to its small size, the country has devoted more resources to the development of wastewater treatment and reclamation than any other country in the world.

Water is not the only area where Texas and Israel shine.  Texas has the distinct competitive advantage of being able to draw on its history of being a global leader in the energy industry through its incredible access to technology, education, and financial resources.  Texas is uniquely blessed with abundant sunshine, wind, and open land, attributes that are perfect for generating renewable energy.  The state leads the nation in wind power generation.  In April 2010, Texas produced enough energy from wind to provide power to 2.3 million homes for a month.  Texas also has extensive undeveloped solar resources, which represent tremendous opportunities. For instance, CPS Energy continues to study the benefits of solar power as a renewable energy option, and the company is committed to bringing up to 100 megawatts of solar energy to San Antonio.  CPS Chief Sustainability Officer, Cris Eugster will speak at the Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference.

Israel’s goal is to become a world leader in alternative energy, with its government devoting its support to cutting-edge technologies.  The push for clean technologies is necessary from the standpoint of economic opportunities, scarce natural resources, and an arid climate. The number of entrepreneurs entering the clean energy sector in Israel has grown tremendously.  Some of these start-ups in smart grid, solar, wind, water, energy management and electric vehicles are traveling to Texas for the Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference to identify potential funding and business opportunities.

Pythagoras Solar, an Israel-based venture-backed company developing transparent, energy efficient windows that also generate solar power, announced that it has been chosen by Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower, the tallest building the Western Hemisphere, to collaborate on a pilot project to help deliver on the building’s renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement goals.

Innovations in natural and renewable energies are playing a crucial role in helping to improve our global environment.  Texas and Israel have much to share as it relates to clean energy innovation.  The Texas-Israel Cleanovation 2011 Conference will serve as the nexus for the best and the brightest to come together to trade ideas, identify potential opportunities, and shape the future of clean energy and water.

NOTE: SEPT 6th is the  last day to reserve your hotel room for $169 – Function Name ” Cleanovation.”  Use Promo Code WEASSS, if booking hotel online - http://www.hotelzazahouston.com/ After SEPT. 6th, rooms are subject to availability, and/or a higher price.

Israel and Texas Working Together for Cleantech

An innovative and unique conference featuring the best Israeli and Global cleantech companies designed for building business opportunities for cleantech companies in Texas,  the USA and Israel.

Innovative Israeli Companies and High Profile US National & Texas-Based Companies Will Discuss Advances in Energy Efficiency, Smart Grid, Water, Wind, Solar, Renewable Energy & Clean Technologies, and more…

Texas and Israel are world leaders in the fields of clean & renewable energy, with Texas known best for being a leader in clean energy production while Israel is known best for its leading advances in water technologies, energy efficiency, smart grid, and more. As these industries continue to grow worldwide, can Texas and Israel combine their unique strengths to form an unstoppable powerhouse in the cleantech revolution?

Innovations in natural and renewable energies are playing a crucial role in helping to improve our global environment.

Cleanovation has emerged as one of the most important clean technology events (including energy efficiency, water, smart-grid and more) for decision makers and thought leaders from around the globe. The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Government of Israel’s Economic Mission to the Southern Region, will host Cleanovation in Houston on Sep 14, 2011.  You do not want to miss this conference as Israel and Texas cleantech companies are coming together to share ideas, network, and discuss potential business opportunities.

More than 300 participants are anticipated to attend: leaders from Fortune 1000, select emerging growth companies and the public sector ( many having headquarters in Texas or Israel).   Also attending are customers/end users, suppliers, innovators, technologists, business development executives, & entrepreneurs

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

Please consider sponsoring the Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference 2011.  Your sponsorship will contribute tremendously to our success plus it is a great way to promote your company/organization.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR US TODAY!

Cleanovation 2011 Agenda: The Texas-Israel Cleanovation Conference 2011 Agenda includes an assortment of presenters with subject matter expertise in protecting critical infrastructure, cross border transactions, energy efficiency, wind technology, smart grid deployment, water reuse experiences in Texas & Israel, innovations in the global water sector, and more.

To see detailed agenda, click here

1st Annual Cleanovation Conference in 2010 An International Success: Last year’s success may be viewed here.  In 2010, over 30 Israeli companies attended Cleanovation.

Thursday September 15th, 2011 is the Rice Alliance Annual Energy & Clean Technology Venture Forum, Showcasing the Most Promising Emerging Energy Technology Companies. Note:  Numerous Venture Capitalists will attend & participate.

Featured Highlights

• Early committed attendees:   GE Energy, Waste Management, CenterPoint Energy,  IBM,, CPS Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Ernst & Young, El Paso Water Utilities, San Antonio Water System, Mr. Barry Smitherman (Texas Railroad Commissioner and former PUC commissioner), Mr. John Hofmeister (Head, Citizens for Affordable Energy & former Shell Oil President), IDE, Miya Water, Houston Airport System, Ein Netafim, The Dow Energy Company, Texas Institute, CLEAResult, Consulting, Alvarion, Chevron Energy Technology Company, and more..
• One-on-one meetings to build and fund your business
• Presentations by featured Israeli and US companies
• More than 300 industry professionals expected
• New industry technology
• Break-out sessions and private meetings will be arranged

Quick Facts

• Due to Israel’s scarce natural resources, it is leading the world in water and alternative energy innovations
• Israel is the Silicon Valley of water. Relative to its small size, Israel has devoted more resources to the development of wastewater treatment and reclamation than any other country in the world
• Home grown Israeli VC community – Israel has a vibrant local VC community which includes Israel Cleantech Ventures, AquaAgro and Terra Ventures – three firms dedicated to investing in Israel’s cleantech sector
• The sun shines brightly over Israel -  The solar radiation Israel receives is a driver of solar thermal companies
• Leveragability of tech expertise to cleantech – Israel’s tech sector has flourished through the creation of core technology competencies that are world leading.
• The Bird Energy Fund, a joint U.S & Israeli government fund targeted to fund R&D partnerships between Israeli and U.S companies has been making grants on a regular basis.  The Texas-Israel Chamber can help you find the right partner
• Israeli & US Venture Capital Firms firms have already committed to participate in this event representing over $1B in investment potential

Speaking Slots & Sponsorships Available

To reserve a speaking slot and/or sponsor Cleanovation 2011, please contact us at info@texasisrael.org or 214-576-9692.  Click here to sponsor.

About Us

The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is our members’ best source for relationships, innovation and information to create trade, jobs and wealth in Texas and Israel.  The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 non-profit business development organization that bridges Texas and Israel by identifying market, investment and technology opportunities and facilitates meaningful networking and cooperation.  A dynamic organization comprised of many of the highest quality professionals and individuals in Texas and Israel, the Chamber’s economic development activities directly benefit Texas, Israel and the communities in which we live.  Your participation will go a long way toward strengthening your business, our offering and those we serve.

The Government of Israel Economic Office provides a direct link between Israeli and U.S. business and financial communities in the Southern States.  Their goal is to stimulate and expand bilateral trade and investment to provide timely information that executives in both countries need to conduct business together, in order to create an environment for collaboration and cooperation between U.S. and Israeli business interests. They facilitate strategic alliances between Israeli and U.S. companies in the Southern States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Georgia and Arkansas; identify investment opportunities for U.S. companies interested in investing in Israeli technology or in the venture capital industry and private equity market; provide information on available grants, loans and incentives; provide contacts, guidance and support for Israeli companies interested in raising capital, exporting their goods and services and finding strategic partners in the U.S.: arrange conferences, business delegations and campaigns aimed at expanding trade and economic cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.

Click here for a synopsis of our speaker panels.

Related articles

• Spotlight on Texas & Israel at 2011 Cleanovation Conference (prweb.com)
• The Nexus of Water and Energy: Cleantech Innovation Can Help Preserve the Balance Between Diminishing Resources (prweb.com)

i-consortium anticipates a better and bigger conference with a lot more business taking place and many more delegations than last year’s conference. Hundreds of millions of business transactions have taken place due to past conferences. More business deals is expected in the upcoming year.

In addition, the 34 nation European Eureka industrial research program will be holding their planning conference on cleantech parallel to this conference with joint sessions. This is Israel’s leading conference on renewable energy, growing within our industry.

The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy 4th International Conference is a unique opportunity to meet with the people who are making the green revolution happen – investors, business people, industry leaders,entrepreneurs and international policy makers – and to find new partners to collaborate with on technological innovation and business opportunities which supports the vision of Energy Independence.

The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference is part of the Eilat-Eilot Energy Initiative to make the Southern part of Israel a totally fossil fuel independent area, solely using renewable energy resources by 2020. Consortiums of companies are being set up to develop the required technologies to do so, which once successful can be exported globally. During this process, pilot projects and demonstration projects by both local and international companies are welcome. We are succeeding beyond our wildest imagination and we invite you to be a part of our success.

For information on the Conference see http://www.eilatenergy.com

For a discount coupon for Conference registration, see
http://i-consortium.com/renewable-energy-conference.php

For more information on the Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Initiative, see
http://renewable-energy-eilat.org

Please contact Joe van Zwaren, I-consortium at 972-(0)54-973 00 29 or joe@i-consortium.com for information on sponsoring or exhibiting at the Conference, as well arranging for delegations to attend.

The one-day conference, hosted at the downtown Hilton Hotel, focused on establishing relationships between Israeli and Texas organizations by providing ample networking time in between presentations from local and international cleantech experts. Prominent participants from the corporate world such as Waste Management, Shell, and IDE interracted with other innovators as well as with the Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterso, Lieutenant Governor, David Dewhurst, and Dr. Eli Opper, Chief Scientist of Israel. “This conference surprised all of us” stated Booky Oren, Executive Chairman, Miya – Arison Group, Chairman of WATEC Israel. “The caliber of discussion, and strong showing of both Israeli and Texas companies reinforced our belief in the mutually beneficial relationships that will result from our combined knowledge and desire to collaborate” he continued.

As the first conference of its kind, attendees raved about the relevant topics and speakers, networking opportunities, and collaborative atmosphere in support of bringing Israeli and Texas organizations together for cleantech. Attendees seemed particularly pleased with the meeting room set aside for one-one-one meetings, and took full advantage throughout the day. Video interviews can be viewed at: http://texasisrael-cleantech.org/cleanovation/videos/ Sponsors included: Greenberg Traurig LLP, IDE Technologies ltd., Waste Management, Becker & Associates Consulting Inc, Global Water Group inc, 21 Ventures, Applied Nanotech, Inc, and getaroom.com. Organizers included: Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Government of Israel Economic Mission to the South, and Austin Chamber. Special thanks to the Texas Governors Office, City of Austin, Israel Export Institute’s Machon Hayetsu, and the JCCA.

Accolades include:

“We are thrilled to have participated in the Texas-Israel Cleanovation conference. There were numerous high-quality entities in attendance, we had relevant meetings for our portfolio companies and see a large opportunity for business to evolve between Texas and Israel“ – Jack Levy, Partner, Israel Cleantech Ventures

“The Cleanovation Conference is now a do-not-miss event which exceeded our expectations. It provided my team with important relationship-building opportunities, access to fresh ideas and was well-worth our participation. The presence of Lt. Governor Dewhurst and other leaders reinforced the strength of the

event as did the quality of the approximate 100 corporate attendees.“ – Jon Shapiro, CEO & Founder, Texas Institute for Sustainable Technology Research

“What an amazing job you have done putting this excellent event together! I am delighted we have had the opportunity of taking part in this outstanding conference, and I look forward to keeping in touch and working together.“

“Truly significant conference and great achievement, especially for a 1st year Conference.“

“ Having this many Israeli companies flying in from Israel for one conference is unprecedented…“

“I just wanted to thank you all for an amazing event. Kol Hakavod!! It was one of the best networking events that I have ever attended. Special thanks to Arie and team as the Israelis say: Chapeau.”

“Thank you for your excellent conference. Very well arranged and amazing show-up.“

Market significance is yet to be determined, but based on initial interest, Texas may soon find itself as headquarters to several Israeli organizations looking to expand into North America. Stay tuned…

About Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce
Formed in April 2007, the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business organization whose aim is to boost the economies of Texas and Israel by helping members develop important business relationships and to explore new market opportunities. Texas is Israel’s third largest American trading partner, with a growing volume of trade consisting of medical devices, communications/IT, nanotechnology, cleantech, Homeland Security/Defense products and systems, venture capital initiatives, computer-related hardware and software, biomedical products, electronic data transmission, telecom and cable television. Visit www.texasisrael.org and www.texasisrael-cleantech.org for more information.

Commissioner Patterson, a native of Houston and local Austin resident, is working to make sure that Texas builds on its century of energy leadership to remain the No. 1 state in all aspects of energy development including research, manufacturing, and innovation.  He leads Renewable Energy programs at the agency that include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, ocean, and alternative transportation fuels initiatives.

“We are thrilled Commissioner Patterson has agreed to participate in our conference“, states Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce President, Greg Yavner.  “With an Israeli delegation of over 25 companies (headed by Israel’s Chief Scientist and UT graduate Chief Scientist Eli Opper), we’re very happy they will hear directly from a local Texas government official involved in cleantech“, he continues. “Texas has a lot to offer Israeli-based organizations from a strategic perspective, and the Commissioners participation will help reinforce the government’s commitment to cleantech and commerce.”

As State Senator for District 11 (Harris, Galveston, Brazoria), Patterson’s major legislative successes include passage of the historic concealed handgun law, a constitutional amendment allowing home equity lending, the state coastal management plan and the creation of the Texas State Veterans Home Program. A tireless advocate for his fellow veterans, he chaired the first Veterans Affairs committee in the Texas Senate. of war.

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Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The Company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America.  For more information, please visit  www.wastemanagement.com.

It is thanks to the financial support of our sponsors, as well as the support of our membership that will make the Cleanovation Conference an international success.

Find out more: http://www.texasisrael-cleantech.org/cleanovation

AUSTIN, TX, December 8, 2009 ­ — The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its major Cleantech & Sustainable Energy Conference, entitled “Cleanovation” to be held February 22, 2010 at the Austin Hilton Hotel, Austin, TX.  Organized in conjunction with the Government of Israel Economic Office and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, this exclusive, one-day conference will provide technologists and business development executives with an opportunity to learn about highly advanced Cleantech technologies available in both Texas and Israel markets.

Timing of the conference has been intentionally scheduled just prior to two major Cleantech conferences to accommodate prospective attendees from Israel and elsewhere.  The first being the global Cleantech conference “Renewable Energy World” scheduled for February 23-25 at the Austin Convention Center, and the second, Cleantech Forum® XXVI scheduled for February 24-26, 2010 in San Francisco, CA.

Keynote speakers will include Israel’s Chief Scientist, and University of Texas graduate, Dr. Eli Opper, as well as Mark Armentrout, former board chairman of ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) and current President of the Texas Institute and Governor Rick Perry or a senior official from the Governor’s office

“Israel is producing  many of the most important innovations in the world in a variety of industries including Cleantech and Renewable Energy,” says Greg Yavner, President of the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce.  “This conference will provide an important opportunity for US companies to meet the senior management teams from the most exciting Israeli companies in the field and they will be amazed at the ingenuity and depth of the solutions offered by these companies,” Yavner continues.

Supported by both Israeli venture capitalists and government agencies such as the Ministry of Industry Trade & Labor and BIRD Foundation, a joint U.S. and Israeli government fund targeted to fund R&D partnerships between Israeli and U.S. companies, this conference represents $1B in investment potential, and a special opportunity to meet the most exciting Israeli companies and innovators in a variety of areas including; water technologies, wind power, electricity management, solar power, smart-grid, and geothermal technologies.

Flagship sponsors include IDE Technologies, the largest and most advanced desalination company in Israel, as well as Greenberg Traurig law firm, with several other organizations finalizing negotiations.  Early registrants include Shell, Waste Management, Austin Energy, Sevin Rosen Funds, Silicon Valley Bank, Nanoholdings LLC,  BIRD Foundation, Ercot,  Texas Emerging Technology Fund, Leviathan Energy, WindSL, Israel Cleantech Ventures, IDE, Haynes & Boone, GreenbergTraurig, Israel Cleantech Ventures, Aqua-Agro Fund, Miya and more.

Early response to this unique event has been very strong, so early registration is highly encouraged.  Visit www.texasisrael-Cleantech.org/cleanovation for more information and register today.

About Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce
Formed in April 2007, the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business organization whose aim is to boost the economies of Texas and Israel by helping members develop important business relationships and to explore new market opportunities.  Texas is Israel’s third largest American trading partner, with a growing volume of trade consisting of medical devices, communications/IT, nanotechnology, Cleantech, Homeland  Security/Defense products and systems, venture capital initiatives, computer-related hardware and software, biomedical products, electronic data transmission, telecom and cable television.  Visit www.texasisrael.org for more information.

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Media Contact:                                                     Company Contact:
Mary McKeown-Christie                                       Greg Yavner, President & CEO
Maven Marketing Solutions                                Texas Israel Chamber of Commerce
512.541.6520                                                            214-576-9639
mary@mavenmarketingsolutions.com gyavner@texasisrael.org

TEL AVIV ― It’s a new way of beating swords into plowshares. Israel, which long has been a global leader in military technol- ogy, is adapting its technologies to develop green advances.

Technology borrowed from building helicopter propellers is being used to produce more efficient wind turbines. Israeli know-how constructing satellites is being applied to improve solar power.

Wind turbines in Israel, such as these seen near Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights, are being improved by technology created for military helicopter propellers. PHOTO BY HAIM AZULAY/FLASH90/JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY

“We definitely leverage a lot of know- how in a variety of disciplines ― including materials, chemistry, thermal dynamics ― accumulated from our experience with mili- tary and homeland security technology for developing renewable energy technologies,” said Meni Maor, vice president of business development for Rotem, a Dimona-based company that commercializes technologies first used in Israel’s defense industry.

The company is something of a case study on the subject. In the past three years, Rotem has begun to focus on renewable en- ergy technology with projects on solar and hydrogen power, wind energy and bio-fuel.

BrightSource Energy, which is develop- ing the world’s largest solar thermal plant in Southern California, is piloting its tech- nology at Rotem.

“The whole world is highly motivated to invest in the “clean-tech” sector as peo- ple search for interesting technologies for more effective energy generation because of the threat of global warming and cost of oil prices,” said Maor, noting Israel’s special security-motivated reasons to re- duce the global dependence on oil, much of which comes from Arab states.

As part of that goal, Israel recently signed on to be one of the first countries to pilot the driving of environmentally clean electric cars on a large scale as part of a project sponsored by the company Better Place, in partnership with automakers Re- nault and Nissan. The robotics for charg- ing the batteries in the cars is based in part on aerospace technology.

Another example of the transfer of military technology to clean tech is work being done by Israel Aeronautics Indus- tries, one of the nation’s most prominent defense companies. Its researchers are tap- ping into their experience in aeronautics to develop wind energy and wind turbines.

One way is by using software used to cal- culate the optimization of the aerodymanic profile of an airplane wing to make a better turbine blade. The company hopes other research-and-development experience will lead to the creation of a higher-performance, lower-weight wind turbine that costs less.

“We are identifying the potential of IAI engineering to provide added value to the clean-tech sector in general and wind tur- bines in particular,” said an IAI official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the security-related nature of the work. “We are trying to identify what assets we can bring and provide on the market end.”

IAI also is working to help create what is being called “clean, green aircraft” as part of a European initiative, joining forces with Airbus to develop an envi- ronmentally friendly system for airplanes taxiing at airports aimed at saving fuel and decreasing noise levels and air pollution. The technology would use a system that allows planes to taxi to and from the gate without using their jet engines.

In addition to technologies being trans- ferred from the military world to the clean- tech sector, there is also manpower trans- fer. A growing number of retired army officers and scientists are playing leading roles in Israel’s clean-tech industry.

Yom-Tov Samia, a retired general and former head of the Israel Defense Forces’ Southern Command, handles the invest- ment firm Israel Corp’s clean-tech invest- ments. Moshe Kaplinsky, a former IDF deputy chief of staff, is now chief executive officer of Better Place’s Israel operation.

Samia spoke recently at a gathering of industry professionals sponsored by the investment firm Israel Cleantech Ventures as part of a panel of former IDF officials now working in clean tech.

“It’s a lot of fun to work in this field. I’m driven by the sense of curiosity it fos- ters,” he told an overflow crowd. “There is also a sense of national responsibility to what we are doing.”

Elad Frankel, CEO of Aqwise, an ad- vanced wastewater treatment solutions company and veteran of a prestigious in- telligence unit called 8200, spoke of how experience gained in the army is good preparation for the industry.

He said it was in the army that he learned to analyze complex problems and come up with solutions with limited resources.

“In the army we learn how to follow through on a mission,” Frankel said. “And now we have the clean-tech revolution, which is doing good things not just when it comes to water and energy. It’s also giving Israel a name in a more positive industry.”

PHOTO BY HAIM AZULAY/FLASH90/JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY Wind turbines in Israel, such as these seen near Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights, are being improved by technology created for military helicopter propellers.

Munich, Germany, October 15, 2009

Siemens to decisively strengthen its position in the growth market solar thermal power
Acquisition of Solel Solar Systems for about $418 million
Siemens AG is to acquire the solar thermal power company Solel Solar Systems Ltd. To date, the majority stake has been held by Ecofin Ltd., a London-based investment firm, and another major shareholder. “After the rapid and highly successful expansion of our wind power business, we now want to continue this success story in the solar sector. With the acquisition of Solel, Siemens can now strengthen its market position in the promising business of solar thermal power plants. We can thus further expand our extensive Environmental Portfolio – and, as already announced, we will become even greener,” said Siemens President and CEO Peter Löscher. Solel Solar Systems has a workforce of over 500 and is one of the world´s two leading suppliers of solar receivers, which are key components of so-called parabolic trough power plants. The high-growth company, which posted revenue totaling almost $90 million in the first six months of its current fiscal year (January 1 to June 30, 2009), is also a leader in the planning and construction of solar fields. The purchase price is about $418 million (currently equivalent to around €284 million1). The transaction is subject to approval by the responsible authorities. It is anticipated that the closing will take place before the end of this calendar year.
Solel is a successful company in the future-oriented solar power sector, with decades of experience in the development and manufacture of solar field equipment and the planning and construction of solar fields. Since 2006, Solel has also been present on the Spanish market, supplying key components for 15 solar thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 750 megawatts. In addition, the company is also active on the important U.S. market.
“Siemens and Solel are a perfect match,” said René Umlauft, CEO of Siemens’ Renewable Energy Division. “We are the market leader in steam turbines for solar thermal power plants and, with the power block, we can offer a key part for solar power plants – the part that is responsible for power generation. Solel boasts high-efficiency receiver technology and comprehensive expertise in the engineering and construction of solar fields. In the future, we’ll be able to offer the key components for the construction of parabolic trough power plants from a single source and to further enhance the efficiency of these plants.”
Until 2020, the market for solar thermal power plants will show annual double-digit growth rates and attain a volume of over €20 billion. In the future, the primary focal growth regions will be the U.S., South Africa, Australia, Spain, India, North Africa and the Middle East.
“Together, we will utilize our know-how in these core competencies to further optimize the water/steam cycle and to further boost the efficiency of solar thermal power plants. Thus we can accelerate the use of this clean technology,” said Avi Brenmiller, CEO of Solel Solar Systems. “Combined with Siemens’ financial strength and its global sales and marketing activities, this will open up promising prospects for our business and hence also for all of Solel’s employees.”
Parabolic trough power plants are the solar-based power generation technology with the best track record of all utility-scale solar technologies. They are particularly suitable for regions with high levels of direct insolation. The principle is simple: curved sun-tracking mirrors capture the sunlight and concentrate it on the solar receiver. A heat transfer medium, which is heated by the concentrated solar radiation, flows through the solar receiver. In a heat exchanger, steam is then generated for a steam turbine, which drives a generator, which in turn generates electricity. Together with the electrical and instrumentation and control equipment and the cooling systems, these components form the power block of a solar power plant.
Products and solutions for solar thermal power plants are part of the Siemens Environmental Portfolio, with which the company posted revenue of nearly €19 billion in fiscal 2008 – about a quarter of Siemens’ total sales – making Siemens the world’s leading provider of ecofriendly technologies.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich, Germany) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. The company has around 410,000 employees (in continuing operations) working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions for individual requirements. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technical achievements, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. In fiscal 2008, Siemens had revenue of €77.3 billion and a net income of €5.9 billion (IFRS). Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com.
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Siemens AG
Corporate Communications and Government Affairs
Wittelsbacherplatz 2, 80333 Munich
Deutschland
Reference number: ERE200910.13e
Media Relations: Alfons Benzinger
Telefon: +49 9131 18-7034
E-mail: alfons.benzinger@siemens.com
Siemens AG
Energy Sector – Renewable Energy Division
Freyeslebenstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen

1 At a US$ rate of 1.47
1