CNN names Arava resident 'green pioneer'

What do a princess from Oman, an activist from Kenya, the London Olympics, and an Israeli solar energy entrepreneur have in common? They were all selected by CNN as some of the world's leading "green pioneers" as part of a project by the news channel to broadcast features on six individuals who have spearheaded significant environmental projects in their countries. Yosef Abramowitz, one of the founders of Arava Power on Kibbutz Ketura, is the only Israeli on the list. He and his family made aliya in 2006 and that same year he and his partners – Ed Hopeland and David Rosenblatt – founded Arava Power. Later on, Siemens and the JNF also became partners. Related stories: Israel's Arava Power to build 8 solar fields IEC prepares for electricity 'drought' US energy experts in Israel to learn about green technology In 2011, the company inaugurated Israel's first mid-size solar energy farm on Kibbutz Ketura. The facility produces 4.95 megawatts. Arava Power is currently working on other solar projects in the Arava and the Negev, including a big solar field capable of producing 40 megawatts of power and slated to supply one-third of Eilat's energy needs. The Kibbutz Ketura solar field (Photo courtesy of Arava Power) Arava Power is also working on eight additional mid-size fields at a cost of some NIS 800 million (roughly 202 million), as well as taking action to promote the solar industry in the Bedouin sector, and has signed an agreement with five Bedouin families to set up solar projects planned to produce 31 megawatts of electricity. In addition to his activity in Israel, Abramowitz is also a member of an international forum led by former US president Bill Clinton to advance the solar industry in Haiti as part of an effort to repair the infrastructure destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Speaking to Ynet in New York, Abramowitz said that "It's an honor to represent Israel in the (CNN) program. Choosing an Israeli for a program that deals with environmental issues shows how the world sees us as an example of environmental technologies and endeavors." That doesn't mean that he doesn't have plenty to say about how solar energy projects are implemented in Israel, especially about the lack of coordination between the various government ministries and regarding solar energy quotas. Discussing the solar field at Ketura, Abramowitz said that "on one hand, it was a miracle because a lot of people thought that we couldn't get it going. On the other hand, I'm very sad that a year has gone by and there isn't a second field, despite the fact that dozens of companies are trying." Which means, he said, that there is no chance Israel will meet its goal of producing 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. "We have a chance – as a country and as a people – to be a renewable light unto the nations if we make David Ben-Gurion's solar vision a reality." "We need a prime minister who will take it upon himself to cut through the bureaucracy," he declared. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter