ECO4B to Invest in Four Select Renewable Energy Events Across Europe

The Eilat-Eilot International Renewable Energy Conference, one of the world's most important renewable energy events, announced today that the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has chosen the Eilat-Eilot Conference for inclusion in the Commission's ECO4B initiative, a select project led by the Enterprise Europe Network. The initiative will invest in renewable energy conferences taking place over 2010-2011 in Israel, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Italy. The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy conference will be held from February 16-18 in Eilat, Israel.

The €250,000 initiative is aimed at increasing renewable energy partnerships and business deals between Enterprise Europe Network members, including more than 600 organizations across more than 40 European countries.

The substantial monetary grant awarded to the ECO4B partner conferences will be used for subsidizing the participation of hi-profile delegations of businessmen and officials at each of the events with the specific aim of building new relationships and seeking potential partnerships.

"The purpose of the ECO4B project is to not only raise awareness and promote the newest and most promising technologies in renewable energy, but to ultimately facilitate collaboration and partnerships between the countries and set the stage for a brighter and cleaner future," said Elisabetta Andreani, Coordinator of ECO4B project. "Israel has much to offer the world in the area of renewable energy and we are very pleased to include the Eilat-Eilot Conference in this project."

The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference, organized by the Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy Administration in association with the Technologies Company, focuses on the latest innovations in renewable energy. Conference participants include internationally-recognized alternative energy companies, experts and investors from around the world. This years Conference will include an additional track dedicated to the role of advanced energy-conservation technologies highlighting Israeli and other nation's contributions to the field of green building science and carbon reduction.

"We are thrilled to have been selected by the European Commission and to be included among Europe's most exciting renewable energy initiatives," said Udi Gat, Chairman of the Hevel Eilot Regional Council. "This grant highlights the leading role that Israel is taking in the global quest for a sustainable future and underscores the great value that the Commission places in Israel's development of clean energy technologies."

In addition to the grant, the Eilat-Eilot Conference will be promoted through the Enterprise Europe Network. The network, which boasts a strong energy sector group, provides a number of services to assist small and medium enterprises in developing their innovative potential and exploring new business partnerships, and also offers useful information on EU legislation and market access.