About

Scientists and scholars at TAU are at the forefront of world renewable energy research, harnessing fields ranging from engineering and chemistry, to plant sciences and biotechnology. Among their achievements are:

 

• Solar energy: Developed and registered patents for a solar cogeneration technology – the first of its kind to simultaneously produce electricity and heat, which could serve as the world’s most efficient solar energy converter.
 
• Energy conservation: Registered several patents for a new technology – the world’s smallest, simplest and most effective so far – that could dramatically reduce fuel consumption of trucks.
 
• Mobile energy: Developed and registered a patent for lightweight, low cost batteries that can be used for electric vehicles and mobile electronics; developed through a startup company the world's most efficient fuel cell for storing solar and wind electricity.
 
• Biofuels: Registered a patent for producing both biofuel and electricity from waste – a process that is anticipated to achieve unprecedented efficiency levels and to lessen dependence on agricultural crops for
biofuel. 
 
Some 55 research groups across seven TAU faculties are investigating dozens of projects in solar energy, biomass and biofuels, wind energy, energy policy, energy economics and security, as well as ways to convert, store and manage the energy once generated.
 
 

Statement of Need:

The University believes that the establishment of the proposed Center will have vital implications for Israel, regarding both the need to find new renewable energy solutions and the advancement of Israel’s economy and national security:

 

  • Positioning Israel as a renewable energy research leader: It is widely acknowledged that renewable energy represents the only viable way for mankind to maintain its current standard of living, while also protecting and preserving the planet’s natural resources. Any contribution Israel could make to this field would help position the country as a forward-looking and responsible international player acclaimed for its positive technological role.

 

  • Reducing dependence on the Arab world: For the Jewish State, the development of new renewable energy sources offers an additional and crucial benefit: less world dependence on petrodollars, which finance anti-Semitism, terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israel’s dependence on fuel imports from foreign sources would be reduced, while its national security would be enhanced. With current events demonstrating that much of the world’s oil resources are in the hands of volatile states such as Libya, this issue has become more urgent than ever.

 

  • Nurturing experts in the field: Training and educating renewable energy researchers, professionals and leaders will be crucial for securing the country’s long-term economic growth and national security.

 

  • Promoting best practices and adoption of renewable energy solutions starting with school children, university students, and reaching out to industry professionals and the policymaking community

 

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