Texas Governor Greg Abbot Visits with Israel’s Cleantech Industry
“Texas is a key target market for Israel’s cleantech industry, because it is a leader in alternative energy, houses the headquarters of numerous energy powerhouses, and runs a large number of alternative energy projects,” said Eliezer Kliatzkin, CEO of Israeli wind energy company Winflex.
Moran Buganim-Gold, Oded Distel, Governor Greg Abbot, Adi Yefet and Gilad Peled
Winflex was one of 15 Israeli water and alternative energy companies who met with Texas Governor Greg Abbot at an event during his visit to Israel this week, which was initiated by the Israeli Economic Office in Houston, and organized by Israel NewTech, the Israel Export Institute, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce.
“The Governor was very impressed with the Israeli companies and technologies, and we see great potential in strengthening economic relations with Texas,” said Moran Buganim-Gold head, of the energy arena at Israel NewTech. The Governor also visited the Soreq desalination plant, and Elbit.
Texas, the second largest state in the U.S., is one of the world’s leaders in oil & gas. A lesser known fact is that Texas is also an alternative energy success story. For example, Texas produces the most wind power in the nation. In 2014, 10.6% of the electricity consumed in Texas came from wind turbines.
Governor Abbot arrived to Israel with additional members of his team, and connections were made to advance opportunities for the Israeli cleantech companies in Texas. “We got some substancial contacts that we will now work to translate into business leads,” said Eliezer Kliatzkin of Winflex.
Israel NewTech has been working over the past few years to develop additional markets for Israeli cleantech companies. “The traditional oil & gas industry is a huge potential market for Israeli water companies, as these factories consume tremendous amounts of water in their gas production processes,” explained Buganim-Gold. “The cleantech event included representatives of oil & gas companies who are examining Israeli technologies which can help them use water more efficiently, for example.”
Israel NewTech and the Economic Office in Houson work year round to advance cooperation between companies in Israel and Texas. The highlight of this activity takes place each spring at the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Texas, which is attended by large delegations of Israeli companies.
