"I wish to ask, how is that here, in the land of the sun, there is no widespread use of solar energy? Although the know-how is here, it's cloud-covered Germany that has an impressive solar energy industry," said Al Gore today at the Ness Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: NSTC) annual customers meeting.
Ilana Dayan: It is obvious to everyone today that climate change is an acute problem, but are we too late?
Gore: "No we are not. The know-how and the technology are available, and all that remains is for us to unite and act. It's necessary to understand, for example, that the solar energy that falls on the earth every 40 minutes meets the energy needs of the earth's entire population for more than a year."
During the question and answer session with the audience, Al Gore was asked what Israel should do to switch to renewable energy sources, not within a decade, but within two years.
"I know that Israel has widespread use of solar water heaters, and it should to the same degree switch to energy production by photovoltaic cells or thermosolar energy. I'd warmly recommend and I invest in these issues of energy production. There are technologies that direct solar rays to a tower, and generate power that is competitive to conventional power," he replied.
Gore added, "Israel has sun-drenched desert areas. You should focus on solar energy production not only for Israel's needs, but also for export."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 20, 2008
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