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April 9, 2010
Globe talks green tech
Israel connects with partners at biennial fair.
BAILA LAZARUS
Israel has long had a strong international reputation for its Internet technology and medical achievements, and it’s now making headway with global pursuits in the arena of sustainable technology.
The Globe 2010 Biennial Trade Fair and Conference on Business and the Environment recently concluded at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and Israel brought six companies to represent developing technology – from the startup to the well-established.
“We have early-stage to mature, commercial-ready products,” said Jonathan Levy in an interview on the trade floor. Levy is consul for economic affairs and trade commissioner for the Government of Israel’s economic mission to Canada. He said having Israel participate in a conference related to sustainability is a natural fit, especially in the area of water conservation.
In 2006, Israel created NEWTech (New Efficient Water Technologies), a national energy and water program that aims to double the exports of the water sector while promoting research and development internationally and attracting foreign investment.
“Israel has been facing challenges from its existence,” said Levy. “It has a growing population [now at 7.5 million], and its situation has been aggravated by drought and by peace treaties with Jordan to supply fresh water.”
Among the strategies that Israel has used to maintain a sustainable water supply are curbing demand through higher costs, regulations (such as not being allowed to clean cars with hoses, reduction of lawn watering, etc.), education and desalination.
But government strategies alone have not been enough to address Israel’s water shortages. Alongside these strategies are new technologies that are facilitating the cleaning and control of water. Several of them had representation at the Israeli government booth.
Arad Technologies (aradtec.com) creates controlled wireless meters to automatically measure, bill and collect for water usage. It’s also developed relevant software. Some might know its parent company, Arad Ltd., which has been developing water meters for more than six decades.
Nirosoft (nirosoft.com), established in 1990, focuses on the design, manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of water treatment solutions. Successful on an international scale, it has developed membrane- separation, deionizaion and carbon-filtration technologies for use in projects, including water desalination and purification plants. Its technology has been used for drinking water in Cyprus, Australia, Italy, Equatorial Guinea, Iraq and Ireland, and in wastewater management plants for irrigation in Spain, Australia and Israel.
Among the newer companies is Noga WaterCare (nogawater.com), established in 2002. It specializes in water filtration and dispensers and distributes its products throughout Europe.
Water technologies are also helping address alternative-energy solution and cost-reduction issues around the world. In South Africa, for example, Israeli drip-irrigation systems have been used to enable the production of biofuels from sugar cane. A simple pressure control valve system in Moscow minimized water leakage in an older water system.
Israel actually has the most cost-effective SWRO (sea water reverse osmosis) desalination plant in the world, costing only 52 cents per cubic metre. It also maintains half the global drip irrigation market.
Besides the water-treatment companies, three energy-related Israeli businesses were promoting their materials at Globe.
Power Electronics (pe-sys.com) uses its three decades of expertise to develop energy-efficient solutions for electricity savings, lighting installations and electric motors in the small-business market segment. Its projects have also been used in Europe and the United States.
RealiteQ (realiteq.com) is an IT company that collects, monitors and controls data from remote systems, such as monitoring solar- and wind-power systems over cellular networks.
PowerSines (powersines.com) also works in energy efficiency in the area of power electronics and voltage control. Its technology applications are used in lighting and electric motors, enabling users to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut operating costs. It counts IBM, Microsoft, FedEx, Motorola and Coca Cola as clients.
“Israeli companies have made breakthroughs all over the world,” said Levy. “Even at the Beijing [2008 Olympic] Games, technology was used to clean wastewater for the gardens.” In fact, 2,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day was cleaned and used for irrigation in the gardens around the Olympic Village using membrane technology developed in Israel.
“Because of the heightened awareness of the need for greater energy efficiency, people are paying attention to Israel companies,” Levy continued. “The NEWTEch program prepares companies in Israel for global markets.” He concluded: “It’s all about exposure.”
By attending conferences like Globe 2010, Levy said, Israeli companies can publicize their developments, learn about other technologies and make powerful alliances. For more information about NEWTech, visit israelnewtech.gov.il.
Baila Lazarus is a freelance writer, painter and photographer. Her work can be seen at orchiddesigns.net.
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