“Renewable energy stocks performed strongly during the previous Trump administration, with growth of more than 500%. In contrast, during the Biden administration, surprisingly, stocks fell by about 70%, despite policies that support renewable energy,” said Yaki Noyman, CEO of renewable energy company Doral, at the Calcalist and Bank Leumi conference in Miami. According to Noyman, these trends show that the demand for renewable energy crosses political lines and is primarily driven by market forces, not just the party in power.

Noyman noted that Doral’s growth is largely driven by the increasing need for energy, particularly from data centers and artificial intelligence (AI), along with the economic benefits it brings to communities. “We have a major project in Indiana, a Republican-leaning state, where we’ve received tremendous support from the local community and the governor,” Noyman said. “The $1.6 billion investment in Indiana is expected to create jobs, increase state tax revenues, and strengthen the local economy.”

He emphasized that Doral operates with a strategic approach based on building personal relationships when working with landowners. “Building strong, personal relationships with landowners is critical. By involving them from the start, we create a supportive community that is committed to the project’s success,” he said.

Such personal involvement was also key to Doral’s success with kibbutzim in Israel, a model they are now trying to replicate in the U.S. “It builds trust and forms the foundation for a long-term partnership,” he added.

According to Noyman, strong local support has helped Doral “overcome regulatory challenges, secure approvals, and even speed up the project timeline.”

Noyman is confident that this approach creates a win-win situation. “When landowners feel valued and see the economic benefits, they become enthusiastic supporters of the project.”

Noyman expressed optimism about the future of renewable energy, which Doral views as the most efficient, cost-effective, and cleanest form of energy production, with dual land use for energy storage and green hydrogen production. “In areas with limited land, like Israel, maximizing land use for both agriculture and energy production is essential. We lead projects where avocados are grown on the same land while energy is produced. This model makes efficient use of resources while respecting environmental limitations.”

Energy storage is another key area of focus for Doral. “For renewable energy to compete with traditional sources, we need efficient storage solutions,” he said, adding that storage ensures continuous energy availability, even when the sun is not shining. In Israel, where electricity demand peaks in the afternoon, storing solar energy and releasing it during peak hours is both an environmental and economically beneficial move. Noyman also views green hydrogen as a “clean fuel for the future,” with the potential to power vehicles and industries. “Using solar energy, it’s possible to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, producing clean and versatile fuel.”

In Israel, Doral sees itself not just as an energy supplier but as a leader in economic and social development. “Doral has invested over a billion dollars in infrastructure in Israel over the last two years, strengthening the economy and increasing the country’s energy independence,” he said. The company works closely with kibbutzim, many of them in the Western Negev. “Our partnerships with the kibbutzim are not just about land; they’re about strengthening communities and creating sustainable energy solutions,” Noyman explained. Doral also focuses on energy storage solutions tailored to Israel’s unique energy demands.

“Storage ensures that renewable energy can be used exactly when it’s needed,” Noyman said, noting that it matches the high demand for electricity in the afternoon and helps reduce energy costs.

Through these initiatives, Doral positions itself as a major player in the renewable energy field in Israel. “Our goal is to produce clean, affordable energy that supports the economy and provides a cleaner environment for future generations,” he concluded.

Watch the full interview in the video above.