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Sunray Solar and Sun Power Combine in $277 Million Deal

Maurice Picow
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13
Sunray Solar and Sun Power Combine in $277 Million Deal

sunray solar and sun power investment dealThe world solar energy industry looks even brighter following the purchase of  Sunray Renewable Energy by the American solar energy giant Sun Power Corporation and solar array manufacturer in a $277 million deal reported in The Marker.

SunRay, headed by Israeli CEO Yoram Amiga, was the first foreign solar energy company allowed to do business in Israel, after Israel’s local solar energy market was opened to outside companies in 2009. Prior to SunRay’s entrance, Israel’s solar energy market had been confined to local companies; some of which, such as Solel Solar Systems, were themselves bought up by foreign companies like Siemens , which wound up purchasing Solel for an even larger sum than the SunRay/Sun Power deal – $418 million USD.

The world solar energy market seems to be getting hotter, now that big solar energy and industrial companies like Siemens and Sun Power are looking to consolidate their share in the increasingly expanding solar energy market.

SunPower, a leader in the solar panel manufacturing industry is very interested in expanding its operations in the Mediterranean region, which may explain why it wanted to acquire SunRay; which is headquartered in Malta and has solar fields already established in Greece, France, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, and in the U.K.

A SunPower Private Solar Panel Installation

SunRay’s Israel operations are largely handled through their local subsidiary SunRay Israel Blue White, which is working on projects for fields of solar photovoltaic panels in the Negev.  SunRay has entered into contracts with several kibbutz cooperative settlements to build solar power farms; and has submitted plans to erect solar panel arrays at Kibbutz Urim in the northern Negev region.

This puts SunRay in direct competition with Israeli companies like Arava Power, which has signed deals to erect solar panel arrays in 15 kibbutz and agricultural settlements.

Arava Power is now partnered with Siemens, which purchased a 40% stake in Arava Power, via Siemen’s investment company, Siemens Project Ventures. The solar power investment world is getting complex!

It appears that interest in solar energy is picking up following a number of setbacks in 2009, including the world economic recession and countries like Germany reducing government subsidies paid to solar energy companies that sell their electricity to the government electricity grid.

But the sun seems to be shining brighter on Sun Power’s solar energy ventures; and according to the Marker article, will now have photovoltaic projects in Europe totaling more than 1,200 megawatts.

Israel’s solar energy future is also looking much brighter, thanks to the decision by the Israeli government to set new quotas for smaller solar energy installations (up to 50 kilowatts), and for home solar energy systems up to 4 kilowatts to be allowed without restrictions until the end of 2014.

Since SunPower is one of the major solar panel suppliers in Israel, its solar energy future in Israel, via SunRay Israel Blue White, also looks bright.

Other Solar Energy Articles of Interest:

Siemens Buys Israel’s Solel Solar for $418 Million

Arava Power to Electrify the Negev Desert With 15 Solar Energy Deals

Every Day is Like Sunday with Sunday Solar Energy

Better Place Launches Test Drive and Electric Car Education Facility in Israel

Karin Kloosterman
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21
Better Place Launches Test Drive and Electric Car Education Facility in Israel

better place education and test drive facility israel photoKarin attends Better Place press conference as company launches its electric car testing facility for the public, in Israel. The sun’s in her eyes as she clutches the door of the new Renault Nissan car. Or maybe she’s blinded by all the excitement?

The media gathered outside the old oil storage containers –– a remnant of the past that line highway #2 on the way from Tel Aviv to Herzylia. The news we were interested in hearing about was not about Better Place’s $350 investment earlier in January, but about the roll out of the Better Place electric education facility that invites the public to test-drive the electric car. We wanted to know when this company will make its vehicles available to the public and on what terms.

Shai Agassi, the CEO of Better Place, a man of rock star status known for propelling the idea to mainstream investors all over the world was there, as were representatives from Renault-Nissan and investor types from HSBC and other firms. I’ve never seen more black suits in one room in my life.

The Israeli press (those not wearing the black suits) were there as were reporters from the international community including CNN, NBC and Bloomberg, but the people asking the tough questions were the Israeli press like Haaretz very contrarian at times, and which wasn’t sold on the Better Place package.

Israel is still relying on coal power. How can the Better Place electric car help wean the country off oil?

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Dria Peterson's Handmade Creations, Born From a Geneology of Vegetarianism and Recycling

Karen Chernick
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11
Dria Peterson's Handmade Creations, Born From a Geneology of Vegetarianism and Recycling

It’s not every day that you come across something called a “Feminist Woman Eco Art Doll” – whether you’re looking on Etsy or elsewhere.  But for Dria Peterson, its creator, it is only natural.

Because why wouldn’t you make new things out of recycled and vintage fabrics, and reclaimed handspun sheep’s wool?  Oh, and did we mention that everything is handmade?

Dria lives in the Amirim vegetarian village in the Galilee region of Israel, where her family lives an actively sustainable life.  Her mom and brother are bakers and have a whole meal bakery, her other brother is a carpenter and makes ecological and organic wooden toys and furniture, and her sister runs a small health food shop.  Oh, and they all do it in the same place – at the family home: Bait 77.

So with such a green background, is it any wonder Dria’s creations include the Feminist Woman Eco Art Doll?

Dria says that recycling and reusing were normal parts of her life when she was growing up, but that beyond that she has always loved to make things.  Even as a child, she remembers knitting clothes for her dolls.

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Haifa University Reduced Electricity Consumption by 22% in 2008-09

Karen Chernick
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6
Haifa University Reduced Electricity Consumption by 22% in 2008-09

Though their lofty ideals of higher education are admirable, universities are often nevertheless subject to frequent budget cuts and funding shortages.  This can force university administrations to take drastic measures and reduce important educational resources… or, in the case of Haifa University, it can lead the administration to save money by going green.

During the 2008-09 academic year, the University of Haifa reduced electricity consumption by 22%, fuel oil consumption by 64%, and water consumption by 11% as compared with the 2007-08 academic year.  These impressive reductions in resource usage led the Ministry of Environmental Protection to certify the University of Haifa as a “Green Campus”.

But this not only saved resources, it saved money as well.  The electricity conservation alone amounted to a savings of 2,400,000 NIS.  That’s a whole lot of green.  Baruch Marzan, Vice President for Administration and Chairman of the Green Campus Council at the University of Haifa, said that “less electricity consumption not only reduces costs – it minimizes CO2 emissions and air pollution.”

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German Firm to Invest in "Green" Israeli Jet Fuel From Algae

Ira Moskowitz
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19

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJGct5H-PHw[/youtube]

The renewable energy investment company Rosebud Energy Deutschland is ready to invest $500 million in research in Israel for the production of algae-based bio jet fuel, the Israeli business newspaper Globes reported yesterday.

John Antoniadis, the CEO of the German company, met last week in Israel with Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Erdan and Minister of National Infrastructures Uzi Landau, as well as with potential strategic partners. Antoniadis revealed that Rosebud Energy Deutschland has a signed commitment from a large European airline to buy algae-based bio jet fuel from the company.

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Want to Solar Power the Middle East? Attend the 2nd Annual MENASOL Solar Conference in Cairo

Karin Kloosterman
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17
Want to Solar Power the Middle East? Attend the 2nd Annual MENASOL Solar Conference in Cairo

Want to accelerate your solar idea and move more developments into the Middle East? The MENASOL conference in Cairo’s gathering a critical mass of opinion leaders, experts and financing personnel this May.

In a part of the world where it can take centuries for there to be something new under the sun, Cairo will be home to the 2nd annual North Africa and Middle East Solar Conference this May 4 to 5. Hosted by New Solar Today based in the UK, participants will learn how to break into the emerging solar market in the Middle East.

Want to learn how to finance your ideas and build utility scale solar projects in North Africa and Middle East? This could be your event. According to Heidi Hafes from New Solar Today/FC Business Intelligence in the UK, this is the opportunity of the year to meet the decision makers responsible for blueprinting solar projects in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, and to gain insight on how to take advantage of the solar project opportunities across North Africa and Middle East. We’ve interviewed Heidi all about the event (see over the fold).

Hot topics being discussed at the event this year include: What is the present state for solar in MENA? Where are the opportunities for solar projects in 2010? How will governments and utilities engage with solar? How to finance your next project? Heidi says answers to these questions and more will be given through a selection of high-level presentations, panel debates and roundtables, with representation from key ministry’s and national agencies.

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Energy City Qatar on Target for 2012

Ira Moskowitz
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15
Energy City Qatar on Target for 2012

energy qatar projectIn a press conference this week, the CEO of Energy City Qatar (ECQ), Hesham al-Emadi, expressed confidence that the $2.6 billion project will be completed by 2012, despite some delays last year due to the economic downturn and rising cost of raw materials, the Qatari Tribune reported.

ECQ is touted as the Middle East’s first energy business center designed to exclusively cater to the commercial, technical and human resource needs of global and regional energy companies. The project will encompass 1.2 square kilometers and employ as many as 20,000 people.

Al-Emadi said that infrastructure work is slated to be finalized by the end of this year, with about 60% of the project to be completed by the end of 2011, the Qatari daily reported.

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) announced this week that it has signed a 16-year contract with ECQ to support an advanced data center for the project’s tenants. The data center is also on schedule to be operational in 2012.

As previously reported in the Green Prophet, Energy City Qatar features an “all-green” design including unique solar paneling and cooling systems. The Qatari Tribune notes that the project will incorporate “multiple sustainable technologies to achieve a LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] Gold certification” – including thin-film PV modules, wind towers and passive solar shading, as well as “indigenous landscaping and other environmentally sensitive design strategies.”

Kawar and Italian Solar Energy Plan "Shams Ma'an" Solar Plant for South Jordan

Maurice Picow
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13
Kawar and Italian Solar Energy Plan "Shams Ma'an" Solar Plant for South Jordan

jordan solar energy projectA solar project established in Jordan. New financing and a partnership with Italian company aims to solar up southern Jordan. Image via Arabcrunch.

With no massive oil reserves like neighbouring Saudi, Jordan is one of the poorer countries in the Middle East, relying on USAID and other foreign support to keep its economy intact. But Jordan is on its way to solving some of its energy problems, according to a press release by the Kawar Group of Companies, a Middle East consortium involved in clean energy projects.

According to the release, the Shams Ma’an solar energy project has secured a 2 sq kilometer tract of land in southern Jordan to build a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy plant, that will cost around $400 million and at the outset will produce about 100 megawatts of electric power that can be expanded to 200 megawatts. The news of this project was originally announced last October in a press release by Kawar in Milan Italy where the Italian solar energy company, Solar Ventures SRl ,  agreed to be a partner in the Jordanian solar energy venture.

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Animals Cope With Climate Change At the Dinner Table

Green Prophet
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10
Animals Cope With Climate Change At the Dinner Table

fat squirrel global warming eating photo

Some animals, it seems, are going on a diet, while others have expanding waistlines.

It’s likely these are reactions to rapidly rising temperatures due to global climate change, speculates Prof. Yoram Yom-Tov of Tel Aviv University, who has been measuring the evolving body sizes of birds and animals in areas where climate change is most extreme.

Changes are happening primarily in higher latitudes, where Prof. Yom-Tov has identified a pattern of birds getting smaller and mammals getting bigger, according to most of the species he’s examined. The change, he hypothesizes, is likely a strategy for survival. Prof. Yom-Tov, who has spent decades measuring and monitoring the body sizes of mammals and small birds, says that these changes have been happening more rapidly.

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MS Tech Keeps Food Safe from Farm to Fork

Green Prophet Guest
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3
MS Tech Keeps Food Safe from Farm to Fork

How can you be sure that bacteria are not festering in your food? Dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and chemical contaminants are responsible for more than 76 million food-borne illnesses a year in the US alone, according to the Center for Disease Control. Bacteria, viruses and toxins thrive on food that is undercooked, inadequately refrigerated or prepared in places where hygiene standards are lax.

One Israeli company, however, hopes to make your food safe from the farm to your fork. Herzliya-based MS Tech has developed advanced smart sensor technology that can detect the presence of contaminants and related chemicals in just three seconds, in the field.

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Bin Laden Blames the US For Climate Climate Change: Arab Countries Getting Drier

Maurice Picow
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6
Bin Laden Blames the US For Climate Climate Change: Arab Countries Getting Drier

climate change arab countries The Arab world is getting dryer; Bin Laden blames the US and western globalization for climate change.

We’ve covered this topic before: the effects of climate change on a region of the world that in even normal weather periods is not exactly flowing with fresh water. In one article we noted acute water crises problems in Middle East countries like Jordan. We’ve explored how Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, may well become the world’s first waterless capital, much of which is being caused by mismanagement, wars, and climate change

An article posted on the Arab Environment Watch blog notes sadly that in the nearly 45 days since the end of the COP 15 climate change conference ended in Copenhagen, little appears to be being done in the Arab world to deal with the environmental problems being caused by global warming.

The article states that the watered down “Copenhagen Accord” agreement that was drafted by some of the major participants, does not really commit any of them to make efforts to keeping world temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees C. Many of the media representatives reporting on the conference even said that as are as they are concerned, the conference was a failure.

But perhaps the most earthshaking message that this article reprinted on the blog wanted to relate was that of all the entities in the Arab world, including both Arab governments and NGO’s, one of the few groups to voice their concern for the environmental of the Middle East appeared to be coming from none other than the world’s most arch Arab villain: the spiritual leader of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda’s Osama bin Laden.

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Reporting An Obvious Absence from the World Future Energy Summit

Ira Moskowitz
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7
Reporting An Obvious Absence from the World Future Energy Summit

abu dhabi mosqueIra reports on the World Future Energy Summit which he attended this January. The event hosted by Abu Dhabi is arguably the most important environment conference to fuel green change among Arab nations.

Israel was not among the 36 countries to officially participate in the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January. Some 2,000 delegates gathered from around the world to discuss strategies and to exhibit technologies for a sustainable global economy and environment.

In light of the numerous Israeli ventures in clean-tech technologies, Israel was conspicuous in its absence when a roundtable of energy ministers discussed regional cooperation at the conference.

However, Israel’s minister of national infrastructure, Uzi Landau, was in Abu Dhabi to participate in a pre-summit meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Israel is one of some 140 member states of the organization, which was established last year to advocate for renewable energy and to facilitate international collaboration in this field. IRENA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and is slated to move to the emirate’s carbon-neutral Masdar City next year.

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KAPARA's Upcycled Gift Tags and a Green Prophet Giveaway!

Karen Chernick
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16
KAPARA's Upcycled Gift Tags and a Green Prophet Giveaway!

You’ve selected your gift (which is hopefully local, handmade, and made out of sustainable materials), you’ve written a card (hopefully on recycled paper), but the presentation still needs that extra touch?  KAPARA (also known as Viktoria Slutsky), runs a cute little shop on Etsy that specializes in upcycled paper gift tags.

When you are making upcycled paper gift tags, the possibilities are almost endless.  Unlike gift bows (which you can read a tutorial on how to make here), gift tags are, by nature, tiny little things, and do not require large areas of paper.  Gift tags can be made from cereal boxes, old envelopes, you name it (and you will later on… keep reading).

But Viktoria’s paper sources have a great story.  When Viktoria first became an Etsy seller a few years ago, she decided that she wanted to include cute, colorful gift tags with her sold items.  She decided to make them herself to reduce packaging costs, and conveniently had a neighbor at the time who worked in a printing house.  She asked her neighbor if they ever threw away cardboard or other papers, and sure enough the next day he brought home some leftovers.

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IsraWinexpo In Tel Aviv Showcases Israeli Wines

Miriam Kresh
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6
IsraWinexpo In Tel Aviv Showcases Israeli Wines

IsraWinexpo 2010 opened last night to journalists, critics, and wine industry representatives. The exhibition opens to the public today and tomorrow, Feb. 10-11, from 16:00 -22:00 hours. It takes place at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Center.

Green Prophet attended. Glass in hand, we circulated between the attractive, well-organized stands, which were staffed by friendly, knowledgeable servers. At the stands of boutique wineries, the owners and winemakers were available for chat and to answer questions. As always at wine tastings, there was a cheerful hubbub, people clinking their glasses together,  and the perceptible aroma of fine wine hovering in the air. While we happily tasted wines from many different sources, we were hot on the trail of organic wines.

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Arava Power to "Electrify" the Negev Desert After Signing 15 Solar Energy Deals

Maurice Picow
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12
Arava Power to "Electrify" the Negev Desert After Signing 15 Solar Energy Deals

arava powerArava Power Team: “We Are The Power!”

Israel’s Arava Power Company (APC) one of the country’s top solar energy producers, is now working towards supplying solar powered electricity to 15 Negev Desert kibbutzes and agricultural villages following the signing of an agreement with these communities, as reported in the JPost.

Arava was in the news a few months back when the German industry giant, Siemens, was reported as being interested in Arava Power. A short time later an announcement followed that Siemens had indeed purchased a 40% stake through Siemens Project Ventures for $15 million, which gave Avara about $37.5 million valuation.

This new venture with the 15 Negev region settlements will provide the communities with 100 MW of solar produced electricity — about a third of the 300 MW Public Utility Authority’s electricity quota that is being allocated for solar energy for what is known as “medium sized solar energy plants.”

Arava made its announcement to coincide with the beginning of the 2010 Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference, scheduled to open in Israel’s southernmost city next week.  

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