At 29, She’s Changing Israel’s Renewable Energy Market

At just 29 years old, Danielle Biton is becoming one of the most influential people in Israel’s clean energy sector. She co-founded EDI Energy, a company that builds and runs solar power systems across Israel — and she’s fighting to change the laws and rules that govern renewable energy in the country.

Biton’s story shows how renewable energy is not only about technology — it’s also about people who push for change, face tough obstacles, and create new opportunities in the clean energy market. 

Her Company and Mission

Danielle Biton and her partner Adi Levy started EDI Energy, a business that:

• develops, finances, builds and maintains solar power installations;
• installs solar panels on rooftops, farms and water reservoirs;
• sells clean electricity to the national grid and to major companies.

Today, the company’s solar systems produce about 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year — enough to power 15,000 to 18,000 homes depending on the season.

The company also leases land and owns the installations, making renewable energy not just a service but a business asset.

Fighting Regulation and Making Change

When Biton and Levy began, regulators in Israel encouraged developers to build clean energy facilities. But then the electricity grid couldn’t handle all the new power being produced.

Solar developers were asked to deposit large guarantees — money held by the regulator to ensure projects were completed. EDI Energy put up 1.5 million shekels (about hundreds of thousands of dollars) as a guarantee and faced possible loss because the grid wasn’t ready to connect the new solar power.

Instead of going to a long court battle, Biton posted viral videos online and reached out to lawmakers in the Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee. Her public campaign helped get the guarantees returned to many developers — nearly 500 million shekels were released back to the clean energy market.

After that victory, she became a leading voice in shaping renewable energy rules in Israel.

Breaking Barriers in a Tough Field

Danielle says she had to learn the complex language of energy regulation — reading rulebooks and learning legal requirements — because she came into the field without a traditional background in energy. Today, she’s recognized for her knowledge and bold approach. 

She also points out that the renewable energy sector is often dominated by men, and she has worked to change perceptions where she works and beyond.

Her message to others: “Take the first step and understand that even 80% success is fine.” In her field, she says, 80% success is excellent.

Life on the Gaza Border

Biton and Levy live in Kibbutz Karmiya near the Gaza border. On October 7, 2023, they were close to the front lines when fighting broke out. They faced danger and were evacuated, but they later returned home.

The experience strengthened her connection to her community and country. She says she and her partner were offered the chance to expand their business in the United States, but they chose to stay in Israel and continue building the local clean energy market.

Future Plans

EDI Energy is now valued at tens of millions of shekels — and Biton says an initial public offering (IPO) may be in the company’s future. Her goal is to double revenues by 2028 and continue expanding projects that generate clean power. 

Outside the company, she also talks about women’s empowerment, giving lectures at universities and encouraging others — especially young women — to take bold steps in clean energy and business.

Why This Matters for Renewable Energy

Israel — like many countries — is trying to shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy such as solar and wind power. The government has set goals to increase the share of clean power in electricity generation, and entrepreneurs like Biton are helping move policy and the market forward.

Solar projects now contribute a growing share of the country’s power, and new initiatives on Bedouin land and elsewhere are expanding solar capacity and offering economic benefits to local communities.

Bottom Line

Danielle Biton’s story shows how young entrepreneurs can change the energy landscape by combining business skill, technical understanding and public engagement. At 29, she is not just building a solar company — she’s helping shape the future of clean energy in Israel and inspiring a new generation of leaders in renewable power.