FAQ

TECHNOLOGY

What's different about AORA's solar thermal technology?

AORA's solar thermal technology differs in that other applications use the heat of the sun to power a steam turbine, whereas our technology is the first commercial use of a solarized gas turbine     (100kWe microturbine). This factor, added to the 'hybridity' of the gas turbine engine, and its ability  to work on alternative fuel sources, provide and very flexible innovative renewable power block.

What are the key benefits of a micro-gas turbine?

While steam turbines offer economic efficiency only in sizes of mulit MW, a micro-gas turbine is efficient at far smaller power blocks (100kWe) thereby enabling to set up solar thermal applications at much smaller scale. Such projects require less land, are easier to build and to operate. Further more, with each power block being erected in only several weeks, the units are quickly sold off to customers, becoming grid connected and able to generate revenue in a very short period of time. This results in far less project financing required in order to build a utility scale projects.

Why is our system considered 'Hybrid'?

Our mircroturbine operates on both the sun, as well as a wide selection of alternative fuel sources. These include diesel, natural gas as well as bio diesel and bio gas. Further more, the turbine is flexible in its operating mode, from 'solar only' during the day time to 'non-solar' at night. In addition, the system can combine a 'solar mix' in periods of cloud cover, when sunlight is not sufficient. This can guarantee an uninterrupted power supply (if needed) 24hrs/day.

MARKETS

At what stage of development is our technology?

After successfully completing a pilot installation in China in 2006, AORA is erecting its first commercial unit in the Arava Valley in southern Israel. Following this achievement, not only is the company seeking to expand its Israeli facilty, but also it looks into expanding into international markets, setting up its first pilot installations abroad, in key energy markets by late 2009.

Where are key markets for AORA's technology?

In general, solar thermal application are most efficient in sunny climates, arid regions and deserts. Additional regions include sunny regions that offer economic incentives that favour solar thermal energy. Such places as southern Europe, California, Arizona and Australia are attractive to our application and it is in these markets that we will initially look towards setting up our first international installations.

What advantages does AORA have in penetrating new markets?

Since AORA's base units are only 100kWe in size, they take up far less land, and offer electric power at the user's end. This is key in getting land zoning permits and connecting to the local distribution grid in order to demonstrate a pilot installation in new markets.

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Is AORA publicly traded?

At the moment AORA is yet a privately held company. Follow our evolution as we grow and expand our global operation towards future investment rounds.