Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the University, today announced that it had signed two research agreements with BrightSource Industries Israel (BSII) for the development of new materials for solar thermal power plants.
JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the University, today announced that it had signed two research agreements with BrightSource Industries Israel (BSII) for the development of new materials for solar thermal power plants.
Under the agreement, BrightSource will fund research in the laboratories of Professors Daniel Mandler, and Shlomo Magdassi, both from the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This research collaboration is based on the knowhow of Yissum and BSII. In addition to payment of research fees, BSII will compensate Yissum upon the successful implementation of the technology in its solar power plants. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The new materials may be integrated in the solar thermal power plant technology developed by BSII and implemented in new utility-scale power plants worldwide. The BSII technology generates electric power from solar energy by using a field of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a boiler mounted atop a central tower (LPT- Luz Power Tower), where water is converted to superheated steam that drives a turbine generator.
"Solar energy is definitely the most important, yet underutilized, clean energy source. Israel has always been a leading player in the solar energy field, and the Hebrew University is proud to collaborate with BrightSource Industries Israel in increasing the efficiency of solar thermal power plants," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum.
Yoel Gilon, Senior Vice President of BSII, said, “BSII’s partnership with Yissum will leverage the academic and research excellence of the Hebrew University to develop cutting-edge new technologies for clean, cost-effective solar thermal power plants. The excellent level of cooperation among Yissum, the university researchers and BSII will be of great value to all the parties involved.”
About Yissum
Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd. was founded in 1964 to protect and commercialize the Hebrew University’s intellectual property. Products based on Hebrew University technologies that have been commercialized by Yissum currently generate $1.2 billion in annual sales. Ranked among the top technology transfer companies in the world, Yissum has registered over 6,100 patents covering 1,750 inventions; has licensed out 480 technologies and has spun-off 65 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe and include companies such as Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Teva, Intel, IBM, Phillips, Sygenta, Vilmorin, Monsanto and many more. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il.
About BrightSource Energy, Inc.
BrightSource Energy, Inc. provides clean, reliable and low cost solar energy for utility and industrial companies worldwide. The BrightSource Energy team combines nearly three decades of experience designing, building and operating the world’s largest solar energy plants with world-class project development capabilities. The company now has contracted to sell more than 2.6 gigawatts of power to be generated using its proprietary solar thermal technology. BrightSource Energy’s solar plants are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and help customers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Headquartered in Oakland, Calif., BrightSource Energy is a privately held company with operations in the United States and Israel. To learn more about BrightSource Energy and solar thermal energy, visit www.brightsourceenergy.com
About BrightSource Industries (Israel)
BrightSource Industries (Israel) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BrightSource Energy. The company, located in Jerusalem, is responsible for the development of solar thermal technology, plant engineering, and the design, engineering and supply of the solar fields for all of the BrightSource plants. These plants utilize innovative technologies based on the proven concept of high-temperature, direct steam generation, which turns a conventional turbine for the production of electricity. Since June 2008, the company has been operating the Solar Energy Development Center (SEDC) at Rotem, in the Negev desert. This operational solar field is comprised of more than 1,600 heliostats and a 60 meter tall tower topped by a 15 meter tall solar boiler.
