Israel Matzav: Top 10 cleantech countries of 2009: Israel ranks number 5

Top 10 cleantech countries of 2009: Israel ranks number 5

Israel has been ranked number 5 in a survey of the top cleantech countries. Here are the criteria for making the list:

I analyzed what I thought were the most important factors, such as government initiatives and programs, large investment mandates, entrepreneurial innovation as well as cultural and social drivers.

What are the key objectives of the countries on my list? For starters, the creation of green collar jobs, continued economic development, and a desire to achieve energy independence.

Here's what they say about Israel:

Israel, the 'Silicon Valley' of water technology, is fast becoming the cleantech incubator to the world (see Israel to export $2.5B in water technologies by 2011). Israel recycles 75 percent of its wastewater, invented drip irrigation, and is home to the world's largest reverse osmosis desalination plant (see Israel plans largest desal plant in $513M deal). Israel certainly isn't the world's biggest cleantech market, but it might just be one of the world's most important centers of cleantech innovation and R&D, with innovative companies such as CellEra, Aqwise, and Emefcy. Better Place is also making Israel the first test-market for a nationwide electric vehicle recharge network (see Electric cars are coming to Israel). Leading Israeli VCs include Israel Cleantech, Aqua Argo Fund and Terra Ventures.

Other countries making the list (in ranked order and omitting Israel): Denmark, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, United States, United Arab Emirates, China, Canada.

Not bad for a little besieged country with few natural resources.

Israel Matzav: Top 10 cleantech countries of 2009: Israel ranks number 5