200activities planned in 2023
Asaf Argov, Chief of Staff, Export Promotion Division, the Foreign Trade Administration, Israel.
Climate technology (ClimateTech) has been one of the main focal points in the Foreign Trade Administration’s (FTA) work plan for the past several years due to its local relevance and global importance. Since Israel is a country that faces unique challenges in this field, such as water scarcity, desertification, and extreme temperatures, it has developed a thriving ecosystem and implemented numerous climate technologies over the years to tackle these challenges. These technologies include advanced irrigation systems, solar energy, water desalination, waste management solutions, and others. The technological developments have not only helped Israel address its own climate issues but have also been exported to other countries facing similar challenges.
In 2022 alone, our economic missions around the world received approximately 350 inquiries from Israeli companies in the field of ClimateTech. While the majority of them were related to water solutions such as water desalination and smart irrigation, a significant number of inquiries also came from companies that have developed different renewable energy solutions by turning solar, wind, waves, hydrogen, and other green resources into power. The rest of the inquiries were divided between Data and AI solutions that relate to grid management and energy efficiency, waste management, air purification, storage solutions, and other sub-sectors within the field.
In addition to the assistance we gave to over 150 unique Israeli ClimateTech companies in 2022, our economic missions have initiated and executed 165 business activities in the virtual and physical space in which hundreds of Israeli and foreign companies participated and thousands of B2B meetings were held. These activities included among others, incoming business delegations to Israel in which CEOs of companies, corporate managers, and senior government officials arrived to explore the Israeli ClimateTech ecosystem, delegations of Israeli companies who travelled abroad to meet with potential business partners, VCs and local distributors to examine different possibilities of expanding their activity, and global exhibitions such as COP27, CleanTech Israel, Agritec Africa, India Water Week, Intersolar and more, where Israeli technologies had the chance of gaining great exposure worldwide.
2023 is going to be significant, with approximately 200 activities planned within the field of ClimateTech by our economic missions. The highlights include 72 incoming and outgoing business delegations that will connect Israeli technologies with key stakeholders from around the globe, and participate with a national booth or a side event in some of the leading global exhibitions like: COP 28, Ecomondo, Intersolar, Energy Taiwan, Watec Chile, Aquatech and more.
We hope to reach out and promote as many Israeli companies as possible and offer solutions to deal with climate change.
Brazil: Various incentives from the government
Taly Segal-Ordentlich, Head of Economic and Trade Mission, Rio de Janeiro
In 2023, climate tech in Brazil is experiencing a significant boom, driven by a combination of market trends and government incentives. One of the key drivers of this growth is the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional industries, such as agriculture and mining, and the need for sustainable alternatives. As a result, startups and established companies are developing and investing in innovative technologies that promote sustainability, including renewable energy, carbon capture, green transportation and green hydrogen.
To encourage this growth, the Brazilian government has implemented various incentives, including tax breaks, grants, and loans, to support research and development in the field of climate tech. Additionally, the government has launched programs to promote sustainable practices, such as the National Biofuels Program (PNPB),and Hydrogen National Program(PNH2), aimed at regulating policies and new technologies in these areas.
It is also important to highlight the increase of the solar energy field in Brazil. According to the most recent report from the Ministry of Energy from December 2022, the solar photovoltaic installed capacity surpassed that of the wind power at the end of 2022 reaching 26 GW, compared to the 25 GW of the wind. This massive increase has the influence of the Laws nº 13.203/2015 and n°14.300/2022, both aimed at regulating and promoting the solar energy generation, by ensuring the permanence of a portion of the Tariff for the Use of the Distribution System (TUSD) until 2045.
The wind and solar sources are responsible for around 25 per cent of the total installed capacity in the country, which exceeded 205 GW at the end of 2022. It is a demonstration of the role of renewable generation in the Brazilian electricity matrix. Preliminary data for the year 2022 indicates that renewable generation represented more than 85 per cent of the electricity supply in Brazil in the last year, thanks to the combination of hydroelectric, biomass, solar and wind generation.
The Economic and Trade mission of Israel to Rio de Janeiro have led different activities in the past years to enhance the potential of collaboration between Brazil and Israel. Just in 2022 we had four B2B events with companies and with state governments, two informative webinars: Optimization of solar with IL technologies for the Brazilian audience and ‘The Energy sector in Brazil’ for the Israeli audience. We promoted local challenges competitions to Israeli companies that decided to participate and some also won. We also helped Israeli companies to meet partners in Intersolar America exhibition. For 2023, we are planning to continue to promote the sector with more B2B days and pitching sessions for leading Energy companies in Brazil, participate in local events to learn more about the trends and new players, visit Intersolar exhibition to help the Israeli companies and have a virtual event – ‘Energy for Latam’ that will include all the trade missions of the area. The idea is to generate business meetings for Israeli companies with all the relevant stakeholders.
China can benefit from Israeli technology
Yoav Haimi – Head of Trade and Investment Mission at Embassy of Israel in Beijing, China:
China’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development has made it a global leader in ClimateTech. The government’s ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 have resulted in the implementation of various policies, projects, and programs to promote the growth of the ClimateTech ecosystem.
The Chinese government has launched subsidies and tax incentives for companies developing renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power. China is also investing heavily in the development of electric vehicles, smart grids, and carbon trading programs to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
This growing ClimateTech ecosystem presents numerous opportunities for Israeli companies. Israel is known for its innovation in cleantech and energy and has developed cutting-edge technologies in areas such as water treatment, renewable energy, and smart grids. Israeli companies could provide innovative solutions to help China address its water challenges, such as desalination technologies, wastewater treatment, and water reuse systems. Similarly, Chinese companies and investors could benefit from Israeli technologies in solar power, energy storage, and smart grids.
The trade and investment mission at the Embassy of Israel in China plays a crucial role in promoting the ClimateTech sector and connecting Israeli companies with Chinese partners. The mission provides a range of services such as market research, business matchmaking, and networking events to showcase Israeli innovations in the ClimateTech sector and connect Israeli companies with Chinese investors and partners.
In conclusion, with the support of the Chinese government and the work of the Trade and Investment mission at the Embassy of Israel in China, Israeli companies have a unique opportunity to contribute to China’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and access the Chinese market. This partnership can be mutually beneficial as China can benefit from Israeli technology while Israeli companies can access the growing Chinese market. Together, Israel and China can drive innovation and progress in the global fight against climate change.
Italy: Plans to invest in water reuse and smart irrigation systems
Yonatan Hadar, Head of Israel economic and Trade mission, Italy
Climate change and its effect on the Italian economy are top news in Italy. Yesterday the Italian Minister for Civil Protection and Sea, Nello Musumeci declared that Piemonte and Lombardy are constantly monitored with a registered water deficit of 60 per cent. He declared that a Marshall plan is needed to invest in desalination plants, in water reuse and smart irrigation systems looking at the Israeli Model that does not use potable water for agriculture.
In order to bring the Israeli ecosystem closer to Italy, we had two large scale events. The first event was a large scale event that brought together the Italian and Israeli ecosystems. The second event was a delegation of the top managers of the Italian water utilities visiting Israel.
In parallel, we arranged more focused events to suggest solutions on specific topics with the region of Lombardy and Piemonte and with private companies.
In June 2023 we are going to hold a major event that will bring together the important stakeholders of the water ecosystem in Israel and Italy. Among the different discussions that are going to be held in this event, 10 Israeli startups will present cutting-edge water related technologies. Just a week later in June, we will have a selected group of Italian water utilities and companies visiting Israel with a tailored agenda to their needs.
Later on this year in November, we will have a group of 10 Israeli companies that will exhibit in the water and clean technology exhibition Ecomondo in Rimini.
Box: CLIMATE CHANGE EVENTS
Intersolar Europe Conference– June 13-14, 2023, Munich, Germany.
The Markets, technologies and financing of PV projects.
Learn more at: https://www.intersolar.de/conference-quick-facts
AgroMashov 2023 – June 27-28, 2023, Jerusalem, Israel.
The world’s leading innovation and decision-makers in water technologies, renewable energy and recycling.
Learn more at: https://www.agromashovgroup.com/en/
Energy Taiwan – October 18-20, 2023, Taipei, Taiwan.
This exclusive show reflects Taiwan’s status among the developing green energy industry and opens the best gateway to Asia.
Learn mire at: https://www.energytaiwan.com.tw/en/index.html
Ecomondo – The green technology Expo – November 7-10, 2023, Rimini Expo Centre, Italy
The reference international event in Europe and the Mediterranean basin for technologies, services and industrial solutions in the green and circular economy sectors.
Learn more at: https://en.ecomondo.com/
COP28 – November 30 to December 12, 2023, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference.
Learn more at: https://unfccc.int/cop28
Aquatech 2023 – November 6-9, 2023, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
World’s Leading Trade Exhibition for Process, Drinking &
Wastewater.
Learn more at: https://www.aquatechtrade.com/amsterdam
Box: The Role of the Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry
The Foreign Trade Administration formulates and leads the foreign trade policy of the State of Israel. Its main mission is to (1) increase the Israeli industry competitiveness in global markets; (2) increase and diversify the Israeli export goods, markets and exporters; (3) attract quality foreign direct investments.
To these purposes, the administration operates an array of 55 offices, spread around the world in selected economic capitals, initiate and establishes Free Trade Agreements to improve Israel’s trade conditions and assists Israeli companies’ local and global efforts.
For more Information, visit itrade.gov.il
