Ministry of Energy and Water Resources

The Links Between Implementation of Solar Energy in Israel and Research

The Herzelia Convention 2013

Shlomo Wald, Chief ScientistMinistry of Energy and Water Resources

Dr. Shlomo Wald 1

The Solar Energy & Research NexusThe need for Solar Energy in Israel

As a geopolitical island we must diversify our energy sources even if some are not the best economical choiceIsrael is in the “Sun Belt”. As such solar energy is almost the only major local energy resource

The need for Solar Energy Research in Israel Innovation as a leverage for a cultural and social acceptance of less economical favorable solutionsGateway to the international marketsEmphasis on Israeli priorities such as

Energy storageGrid compatibility…

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Examples from the Past

In the middle of the 20th centurySolar water heating - Zvi Tabor (at the National Physics Laboratory) following Ben Gurion’s visionThe Dead Sea Solar ponds – Research started at the academia and led to the establishment of ORMAT the world leader in geothermal energy productionCSP – LUZ

SolelBrightSource

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SOLEL–Solar power plan in Navada

Examples of Present Accomplishments Energy Storage

EnStorage – Started at the Tel Aviv UniversityBromine Compounds

Efficient PV modules bSolar (bifacial PV panels)SolarBead (m inverters)TIGI – “Honycomb Collector” solar-thermal technology…

Better adaptation to the gridHelifocus (CSP hybridization)…

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EnStorage 50W-150W RFC unit

HelioFocuse

Examples of Barriers & Bridges Inadequate support

The difference between Energy and (ICT, Pharma, …) it not realizedInsufficient support in all R&D life cycle

Grid-connected demo facilities PUA does not obey the government decision and wishes to alter the conditions

…

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Better supportMinistry of Energy & Water Resources R&D programsAddressing the whole life cycle – But, not enough funds

Grid-connected demo facilities 17.7.2011 government decision - Special quota of 50MW

…What should be done?

Harmonization of the decisions of all relevant bodies: Ministries of Energy, Environment, Finance, Interior, Housing, DEFENCE,… PUA, NGA,… The Government has to govern!Responsible public awareness

Thank you

7Dr. Shlomo Wald