Delek Group owner Yitzhak Tshuva declared Israeli independence in the field of energy and highlighted the importance of gas exports this week. Speaking at an energy conference in Netanya, he said: "Israel has the ability to provide its own needs and export gas. This will strengthen Israel's status in the world." He added, "In order to promote the gas industry we must invest more than $15 billion in infrastructure. Many Asian and European nations are interested in explorations and seek a share in exports." Tshuva said that this move will tighten Israel's relations in the international arena and will be very profitable for the state. "We must cooperate with countries in the region," he said addressing the Jordanian and Greek representatives in the room. "We are in the midst of an energy revolution. I have no doubt it will be recorded in Israel's history books." He noted that Israel has spent the past 60 years trying to find gas. "We have convinced Nobel Energy to invest millions in Israel. The discoveries will be hugely profitable for Israel and will allow a reduction in water and electricity rates and in heavy industry costs. The state will benefit from royalties and taxes. " Historic deal The business tycoon noted that his Tamar partnership recently signed a "historic" agreement with the Israel Electric Corporation which will "provide it with energy for 15 years." "Israel is small country that was established after 2,000 years of exile. We must protect it and maintain our current momentum in the energy field." Yiftah Ron-Tal, Chairman of the Board of the Israel Electric Corporation also addressed the unprecedented agreement. "This agreement will herald the beginning of a gas revolution. Until now we enjoyed a steady but limited gas supply but as of today we can make use of our reservoirs." Last week, the Tamar partnership signed a deal to sell natural gas to the Israel Electric Corp for a sum between $14 billion-23$ billion. Ron-Tal said that Israel can achieve energy independence and control its resources in order to produce electricity. He stressed that Israel cannot make do with only one land gas pipe and that it will need at least four more coastal gas outlets. Ron-Tal pledged that Israel will create ground level gas reservoirs for emergency use. MK Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, who previously served as National Infrastructure Minister also spoke at the conference. "The discovery of natural gas reservoirs in 2009 was a turning point and we have become an energy power. "Nevertheless our relations with Turkey and the Egyptian revolution have taught us several important lessons: First, we cannot rely on a limited source of energy, be it gas or oil. We must operate several channels. Second, we need to promote solar energy. Israel cannot rely on steady fuel supply with people like (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter