Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

 

The risks described below are the material risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future.

 

 

Our business depends to a large extent on the availability of financial incentives. The reduction or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives could reduce our profitability and adversely impact our revenues and growth prospects.  Many countries, such as Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Japan and Israel, offer substantial incentives to offset the cost of renewable energy production, including photovoltaic power systems and WtE technologies in the form of Feed-in-Tariff, or FiT, or other incentives to promote the use of clean energy (including solar energy and biogas) and to reduce dependence on other forms of energy. In addition, several countries encourage manufacturers and farmers to choose waste management methods that are more environmentally-friendly, either by establishing fines on non-environmentally friendly waste management methods or by payment of incentives. These government incentives could potentially be reduced or eliminated altogether. For instance, both the Italian and Spanish governments had in the pastpreviously revised the government incentives as described under “Business” below and in our financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. If the Italian, Spanish or SpanishIsraeli governments elect to further revise the existing incentive scheme,schemes, this may adversely affect the profitability fromof our photovoltaic plants, or the PV Plants, and fromof any new photovoltaic plant acquired or constructed by us in these countries, and may prevent us from continuing to acquire photovoltaic plants in Italy or in Spain.us. If the Dutch government revises the incentive scheme for existing or future WtE facilities in a way that willto reduce the support or increase the liabilities of WtE facilities, thisit may adversely affect our profitability from future WtE projects in the Netherlands. Any retroactive or prospective changes in the incentive schemes in other countries may affect our business plan and any future projects we may be interested in developing or acquiring in such countries. In general, uncertainty about the introduction of, reduction in, or elimination of, incentives or delays or interruptions in the implementation of favorable laws could substantially affect our profitability and adversely affect our ability to continue and develop new renewable energy facilities.

Existing regulations, and changes to such regulations, may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers and restrictions to the construction and operation of renewable energy facilities, which may adversely affect our operations.  The installation and operation of renewable energy facilities is subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with international, European (to the extent applicable), national and local ordinances, building codes, zoning (or permitting), environmental protection regulation, including waste disposal regulations, utility interconnection requirements, security requirements and other rules and regulations. VariousAny changes in applicable regulations that increases the burdens or restrictions on the operation of our renewable energy facilities, such as a change in regulations governing waste disposal times and locations in countries in which our WtE facilities dispose the digestate resulting from their operations, could increase our costs of operation and, as a result, adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, various governmental, municipal and other regulatory entities require the issuance and continued effectiveness of relevant permits, licenses and authorizations for the construction and operation of renewable energy facilities. If such permits, licenses and authorizations are not issued on a timely basis, this could result in the interruption, cessation or abandonment of a newly constructed renewable energy facility, or may require making significant changes to such renewable energy facility, any of which may cause severe losses. In addition, if issued, these licenses and permits may be revoked by the authorities following their issuance in the event the authorities discover irregularities or deviations from the scope of the license or permit. Any revocation of existing licenses may obligate us to cease operating the relevant renewable energy facility for the period required in order to renew the relevant license or indefinitely and therefore will adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Success of our renewable energy facilities, from their construction through their commissioning and ongoing commercial operation, dependsdepend to a large extent on the cooperation, reliability, solvency, and proper performance of the contractors we engage for the construction, operation and maintenance of our renewable energy facilities, or the Contractors, and of the other third parties involved, including subcontractors, local advisors, financing entities, land owners, suppliers of parts and equipment, the energy grid regulator, governmental agencies and other potential purchasers of electricity.  The construction and operation of a renewable energy facility requires timely input, often of a highly specialized technical nature, from several parties, including without limitation, the suppliers of the various system components (such as solar panels or CHP engine) and plant operators, other suppliers of relevant parts and materials (including replacement parts), feedstock suppliers, land owners, subcontractors, electricity brokers, financing entities and governmental and related agencies (as subsidizers and as regulators). In addition, as we use Contractors in order to construct and thereafter operate and maintain our renewable energy facilities, we depend on the Contractors’ expertise and experience, representations, warranties and undertakings regarding, inter alia: the construction quality, schedule of construction, operation, maintenance and performance of each of the facilities, the use of high-quality materials, strict compliance with applicable legal requirements and the Contractors’ financial stability. If the Contractors’ representations or warranties are inaccurate or untrue, or if any of the Contractors or other entities fail to perform their obligations properly, this could result in the interruption, cessation or abandonment of the relevant facility, or may require significant expenses to mitigate the damages or repair them, any of which may cause us severe losses.

As a substantial part of our business is currently located in Europe, we are subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.  We currently have substantial operations in Italy and in Spain and certain WtE operations in the Netherlands, all of which are held by our Luxembourg subsidiary, and may make additional investments in projects located outside of Israel,in Europe, such as acquisitionthe expected construction of the waste-to-energy projectsphotovoltaic plant in the Netherlands pursuant tomunicipality of Talaván, Cáceres, Spain, or the Ludan Agreement.Talasol Project. Due to these existing operations and any additional future investments, we are subject to special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in other jurisdictions, including rules and regulations, cross currency movements, different payment cycles, tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to Israel, cultural and language differences, crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars and deterioration of political and economic relations with Israel. Our European operations subject us to a number of these risks, as well as the requirement to comply with Italian, Spanish, Dutch and European Union law.laws.

In addition, in June 2016, a majority of voters in the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the European Union in a national referendum (Brexit). The referendum was advisory, and the terms of any withdrawal are subject to a negotiation period that could continue for a few years after the government of the United Kingdom formally initiates a withdrawal process. Nevertheless, the referendum has created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and has given rise for the governments of other EU member states to consider withdrawal.

These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, could have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and could significantly reduce global market liquidity and future growth. Asset valuations, currency exchange rates and credit ratings may be especially subject to increased market volatility.

We cannot assure you that we would be able to adequately address some or all of these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.

 

A drop in the price of energy may negatively impact our results of operations.  The revenue from the sale of energy produced by renewable energy facilities includes mainly the incentives in the form of governmental subsidies and in addition proceeds from the sale of electricity and gas produced in the electricity and gas market at market price. A decrease in the price of electricity and gas in the countries in which we operate and in which some of our revenues are based on the market price of electricity and gas may negatively impact our profitability and our ability or interest to expand our renewable energy operations.

 

An increase in the prices of components of the renewable energy facility may adversely affect our development projects, future growth and our business. Renewable energy facilities installations have substantially increased over the past few years. The increased demand led to fluctuations in the prices of the components resulting from oversupply and undersupply. For example, the increased demand for solar panels resulted in substantial investments in solar panels production facilities, creating oversupply and a sharp continuing decrease in the prices of solar panels. A future reversal in the trend and an increase in the prices of solar panels and other components of the system (such as invertors and related electric components) or an increase in the prices of components of other renewable energy facilities, may increase the costs of replacing components in our existing facilities or the costs of constructing new facilities and impact the profitability of constructing facilities and our ability to expand our business. Additionally, if there is a shortage of key components necessary for the production of the components, that may constrain our revenue growth.

 

As electric power accounts for a growing share of overall energy use, the market for renewable energy is intensely competitive and rapidly evolving. The market for renewable energy attracts many initiatives and therefore is intensely competitive. Our competitors who strive to construct new renewable energy facilities and acquire existing facilities may have established more prominent market positions and may have more experience in this field. Extensive competition may adversely affect our ability to continue to acquire and develop new facilities.

 

 

Our PV Plants are located in Italy and in Spain and therefore theThe revenues derived from themour PV Plants mainly depend on payments received from Italian and Spanish governmental entities. The economic crisisAny future deterioration in the European Union, specificallyfinancial position of the local governments or regulated entities, resulting in Italy andpartial or no payment or in Spain, and measures taken in order to improve Italy’s and Spain’s financial position,regulatory changes may adversely affect the results of our operations.  The revenues derived by our PV Plants are based mainly on payments received from governmental or regulated entities. In Italy, the main portion of our PV related revenues is still based on the FiT, in Spain our revenues are primarily based on payments from governmental entities in accordance with a specific remuneration incentive scheme and in Israel all of our income is based on a fixed tariff from the Israel Electric Company, or the IEC, a governmental company that controls the Israeli electricity market. Although the economies of both Italy and Spain has improved since the global financial crisis in 2007, both countries remain in a state of financial crisis and commenced during 2013 and 2014 several legislation processes that revise or affect the remuneration scheme for photovoltaic plants (as described under “Business” below and our financial statements included elsewhere in this Report), and may do so again in the future.  We cannot assure you that the continued economic crisis will not cause additional changes to the Italian government’sor Spanish governments’ photovoltaic energy incentive schemes or that no additional changesschemes. The IEC has also experienced financial crises over the years and is in the process of implementing a reform in its operations, however we cannot predict how and when this reform will be made to Spain’s photovoltaic energy incentive scheme thatimplemented and what its outcome will be. Any changes in the financial stability of the governmental entities paying all or a portion of our PV revenues and any resulting change in the regulation may directly or indirectly affect the payments we receive and, therefore, our operations and revenues.

We are exposed to the possibility of damages to, or theft of, the various components of our PV Plants. Such occurrences may cause disruptions in the production of electricity and additional costs.  Some of our PV Plants suffered damages and disruption in the production of electricity as a result of theft of panels and other components, or due to bad weather and land conditions. Although such damages and theft are generally covered by the PV Plants’ insurance policies, in certain circumstances such occurrences, may not be covered in part by the insurance and may cause an increase in the premiums paid to our insurance companies, all of which may adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.

 

We only recently entered into the Ludan Agreement and although we contribute and will continue to contribute to the Approved Projects from our existing and accumulated expertise, we are only now gaining experience in the WtE field. We entered into the Ludan Agreement in July 2016 and, although we contribute and expect to continue to contribute to the Approved Projects from our renewable energy managerial, operational and project finance expertise, we do not yet have a substantial experience with WtE projects and in the Netherlands renewable energy market. TheThere are currently two WtE projects, or the WtE Projects, in advanced construction stages under the Ludan Agreement, which includes several conditions precedent to our obligation to invest in WtE projects and thereprojects. There is no assurance as to how many additional projects will comply with these conditions and as to the timing of such compliance. Although we hold and will hold a majority of the shares of each project company, Ludan received minority holder protective rights under the Ludan Agreement and will also act as the EPC and O&M contractor of the Approved Projects (except for the first Gasification Approved Project), based on agreements to be mutually agreed with us. Future disagreements with Ludan may have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Approved Projects and, as a result, on our results of operations.

In addition to the risks involved in the construction and operation of, and the regulatory risks applicable to, renewable energy facilities in general, WtE projects are exposed to risks specific to this industry. In addition to the risks detailed above under “Risks Related to our Renewable Energy Operations,” WtE projects are exposed to additional risks specific to this industry, including:

 

 

 

 

Our ability to freely operate our business is limited as a result of certain restrictive covenants contained in the deeds of trust of our Series A and Series B Debentures. The deed of trust governing the Series A Debentures or the Series A Deed of Trust, and the deed of trust governing the Series B Debentures, or the Series B DeedDeeds of Trust, contain a number of restrictive covenants that limit our operating and financial flexibility. These covenants include, among other things, a “negative pledge” with respect to a floating pledge on all of our assets and an obligation to pay additional interest in the event of certain rating downgrades. The Series A Deed of Trust and the Series B DeedDeeds of Trust also contain covenants regarding maintaining certain levels of financial ratios and criteria, including as a condition to the distribution of dividends, and other customary immediate repayment conditions, including, under certain circumstances, in the event of a change of control, a default under the deed of trust of the other debentures issued by us, a change in our operations or a disposition of a substantial amount of assets. Our ability to continue to comply with these and other obligations depends in part on the future performance of our business. Such obligations may hinder our ability to finance our future operations or the manner in which we operate our business. In particular, any non-compliance with performance-related covenants and other undertakings of the Debentures could result in demand for immediate repayment of the outstanding amount under the Debentures and restrict our ability to obtain additional funds, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our debt increases our exposure to market risks, may limit our ability to incur additional debt that may be necessary to fund our operations and could adversely affect our financial stability. As of December 31, 2016,2017, our total indebtedness in connection with corporate and project financing was approximately $67euro 123.2 million, including principal and interest expected repayments, financing related swap transactions and excluding any related capitalized costs. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, we incurred additional $33.5 million in debt through the issuance of the Series B Debentures. The Series A Deed of Trust and Series B DeedDeeds of Trust permit us to incur additional indebtedness, subject to maintaining certain financial ratios and covenants. Our debt, including the Debentures, and any additional debt we may incur, could adversely affect our financial condition by, among other things:

 

 

 

 

Despite our current indebtedness level, we may still be able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness. We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional issuances of debentures and secured indebtedness, in the future. Although the deedsDeeds of Trust governing our Debentures contain certain conditions that may affect our ability to incur additional debt, mainly through the expansion of the series of the Debentures, these conditions are limited and we will be able to incur additional debt and enter into highly leveraged transactions, so long as we do not breach the financial covenants and meet these conditions. If new debt is added to our existing debt levels, the related risks that we face would intensify and we may not be able to meet all our debt obligations, including the repayment of the Debentures.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or future borrowings from other sources in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness, including the Debentures, or to fund our other liquidity needs. To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the Debentures, to fund planned capital expenditures and to maintain sufficient working capital will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. As such, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service the Debentures or our other indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, such as reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the Debentures, on or before the maturity thereof, which may not be successful and could have a material adverse effect on our operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the Debentures, on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that the terms of that indebtedness will allow any of the above alternative measures or that these measures would satisfy our scheduled debt service obligations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to repay or refinance our debt on favorable terms, it could significantly adversely affect our financial condition, the value of our outstanding debt, including the Debentures, and our ability to make any required cash payments under our indebtedness, including the Debentures. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at that time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.

Our business results may be affected by currency and interest rate fluctuations and the hedging transactions we enter into in order to manage currency and interest rate related risks.  We hold cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities mainly in various currencies, including US$, Euroeuro and NIS. Our investmentsholdings in the Italian and Spanish PV Plants and in the Netherlands WtE project are denominated in euro and our holdings in the Talmei Yosef PV Plant and in Dori Energy are denominated in Euro and NIS. Our Debentures and the project finance obtained in connection with the Talmei Yosef Project are denominated in NIS and the interest and principal payments are to be made in NIS. The financing we have obtained in connection withfor several of our PV Plants bears interest that is based on EURIBOR rate. Therefore our repayment obligations and undertakings may be affected by adverse movements in the exchange and interest rates. Although we attempt to manage these risks by entering into various swap interest and forwardcurrency  transactions as more fully explained in “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below, we cannot ensure that we will manage to eliminate these risks in their entirety. These swap and forward transactions may also impact the results of our operations due to fluctuations in their value based on changes in the relevant exchange or interest rate.

If we do not conduct an adequate due diligence investigation of a target project or if certain events beyond our control occur, we may be required to subsequently take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring, and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our stock price.  We must conduct a due diligence investigation of target projects that we would intend to acquire or purchase an interest in. Intensive due diligence is time consuming and expensive due to the technical, accounting, finance and legal professionals who must be involved in the due diligence process. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business, we cannot assure you that this due diligence will reveal all material issues that may affect a particular target project, or that factors outside the control of the target project and outside of our control will not later arise. If our due diligence review fails to identify issues specific to a target project, industry or the environment in which the target project operates, or if certain events or circumstances occur that are beyond our control, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in losses. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and may not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our ordinary shares.

We may be deemed to be an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which could subject us to material adverse consequences.  We could be deemed to be an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act if we invest more than 40% of our assets in “investment securities,” as defined in the Investment Company Act. Investments in securities of majority owned subsidiaries (defined for these purposes as companies in which we control 50% or more of the voting securities) are not “investment securities” for purposes of this definition. As our interest in Dori Energy is not considered an investment in majority owned securities, unless we maintain the required portion of our assets under our control, limit the nature of the requisite portion of our investments of our cash assets to cash and cash equivalents (which are generally not “investment securities”), succeed in making additional strategic “controlling” investments and continue to monitor our investment in Dori Energy, we may be deemed to be an “investment company.” We do not believe that our holdings in the PV Plants would be considered “investment securities,” as we control the PV Plants via wholly-owned subsidiaries, or that our holdings in the Manara PSP or the Talasol Project would be considered “investment securities,” as we control the project company. In addition, despite minority holder protective rights granted under the Ludan Agreement, including several rights which effectively require the unanimous consent of all shareholders on several issues central to the business’ operation, we believe that our interests in these Approved Projects do not constitute “investment securities” given, among other things, our contribution and expected continued contribution to the operations of the Approved Projects and majority shareholder and board membership status in the Approved Projects. We do not believe that the current fair value of our holdings in Dori Energy (all as more fully set forth under “Business” below) and other relevant assets, all of which may be deemed to be “investment securities,” would result in our being deemed to be an “investment company.” If we were deemed to be an “investment company,” we would not be permitted to register under the Investment Company Act without an order from the SEC permitting us to register because we are incorporated outside of the United States and, prior to being permitted to register, we would not be permitted to publicly offer or promote our securities in the United States. Even if we were permitted to register, it would subject us to additional commitments and regulatory compliance. Investments in cash and cash equivalents might not be as favorable to us as other investments we might make if we were not potentially subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. We seek to conduct our operations, including by way of investing our cash and cash equivalents, to the extent possible, so as not to become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. In addition, because we are actively engaged in exploring and considering strategic investments and business opportunities, and in fact the majority of our investments to date (mainly in the Italian, Spanish and SpanishIsraeli photovoltaic power plants markets) were made through a controlling investment, we do not believe that we are currently engaged in “investment company” activities or business. These limitationsstrategies may force us to pursue less than optimal business strategies or forego business arrangements and to forgo certain cash management strategies that could have been financially advantageous to us and to our financial situation and business prospect.

Our ability to successfully effect acquisitions and to be successful thereafter will be significantly dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. Several of our key personnel allocate their time to other businesses.  Our ability to successfully effect acquisitions is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, including Shlomo Nehama, our chairman of the board, Ran Fridrich, a director and our Chief Executive Officer, and MenahemHemi Raphael, a member of our board. We entered into a management services agreement, or the Management Services Agreement, with entities affiliated with these board members and they have allocated a significant portion of their time to our company since the execution of the Management Services Agreement. However, they are not required to commit their full time to our affairs, which could create a conflict of interest when allocating their time between our operations and their other commitments. If their other business affairs require them to devote more substantial amounts of time to such affairs, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs and could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate acquisitions.

We may be characterized as a passive foreign investment company. Our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences.  Under the PFICpassive foreign investment company or “PFIC” rules, for any taxable year that our passive income or our assets that produce passive income exceed specified levels, we will be characterized as a passive foreign investment companyPFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences for our U.S. shareholders, which may include having certain distributions on our ordinary shares and gains realized on the sale of our ordinary shares treated as ordinary income, rather than as capital gains income, and having potentially punitive interest charges apply to the proceeds of sales of our ordinary shares and certain distributions.

Certain elections may be made to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of the PFIC rules for holders of our shares,U.S. shareholders, but these elections may be detrimental to the shareholdersuch U.S. shareholders under certain circumstances. The PFIC rules are extremely complex and U.S. investors are urged to consult independent tax advisers regarding the potential consequences to them of our classification as a PFIC.

Based on our income and/or assets, we believe that we were a PFIC with respect to any U.S. shareholder that held our shares in 2008 through 2012.  We also believe, based on our income and assets, that it is likely that we were not a PFIC with respect to U.S. shareholders that initially acquired our ordinary shares in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.2013-2017. However, the Internal Revenue Service may disagree with our determinations regarding our prior or present PFIC status and, depending on future events, we could become a PFIC in future years.

For a more detailed discussion of the consequences of our being classified as a PFIC, see “Item 10.E: Taxation” below under the caption “U.S. Tax Considerations Regarding Ordinary Shares.”

You may have difficulty enforcing U.S. judgments against us in Israel.  We are organized under the laws of Israel and our headquarters are in Israel. All of our officers and directors reside outside of the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult to effect service of process upon us or any of these persons within the United States. In addition, you may not be able to enforce any judgment obtained in the U.S. against us or any of such persons in Israel and in any event will be required to file a request with an Israeli court for recognition or enforcement of any non-Israeli judgment. Subject to certain time limitations, executory judgments of a United States court for liquidated damages in civil matters may be enforced by an Israeli court, provided that: (i) the judgment was obtained after due process before a court of competent jurisdiction, that recognizes and enforces similar judgments of Israeli courts and according to the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel, (ii) adequate service of process was effected and the defendant had a reasonable opportunity to be heard, (iii) the judgment and its enforcement are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the State of Israel, (iv) the judgment was not obtained by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties, (v) the judgment is no longer appealable, and (vi) an action between the same parties in the same matter is not pending in any Israeli court at the time the lawsuit is instituted in the foreign court. If a foreign judgment is enforced by an Israeli court, it will be payable in Israeli currency. You may not be able to enforce civil actions under U.S. securities laws if you file a lawsuit in Israel.

The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders are governed by Israeli law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law. We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our memorandum and articles of association and Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, each shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters.  Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes on, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company or a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the company has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revisions in recent years, there is little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.

Tax audits may result in the future undergo, tax audits and may havean obligation to make material payments to tax authorities at the conclusion of these audits.  We conduct our business globally (currently in Israel, Luxemburg, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands). Our domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of revenues and expenses in different jurisdictions and the timing of recognizing revenues and expenses. Additionally, the amount of income taxes paid is subject to our interpretation of applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which we file. Not all of the tax returns of our operations in other countries and in Israel are final and we may be subject to further audit and assessment by the applicable tax authorities. We are subject to an ongoing tax audit in Israel. Such audits often result in proposed assessments and any estimation of the potential outcome of an uncertain tax issue is a matter for judgment, which can be subjective and highly complex. While we believe we comply with applicable tax laws and that we provided adequately for any reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to the tax audit, there can be no assurance that a governing tax authority will not have a different interpretation of the law and assess us with additional taxes, as a result of which our future results may be adversely affected. Although we believe our estimates to be reasonable, the ultimate outcome of such audits, and of any related litigation, could differ materially from our provisions for taxes, which may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We are controlled by a small number of shareholders, who may make decisions with which you may disagree and which may also prevent a change of control via purchases in the market.  Currently, a group of investors comprised of Kanir Joint Investments (2005) Limited Partnership, or Kanir, and S. Nechama Investments (2008) Ltd., or Nechama Investments, hold an aggregate of 59.4%58.6% of our outstanding ordinary shares. Shlomo Nehama, our Chairman of the Board who controls Nechama Investments holds directly an additional 4.4% of our outstanding ordinary shares, Ran Fridrich, our CEO and a member of our Board of Directors, holds directly an additional 1.1% of our outstanding ordinary shares and MenahemHemi Raphael, a member of our Board of Directors who, together with Ran Fridrich, controls the general partner of Kanir, directly and indirectly holds an additional 4.3% of our outstanding ordinary shares. Therefore, acting together, these shareholders could exercise significant influence over our business, including with respect to the election of our directors and the approval of change in control and other material transactions. This concentration of control may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of our other shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interest. In addition, as a result of this concentration of control, we are deemed a “controlled company” for purposes of NYSE MKTAmerican LLC rules and as such we are not subject to certain NYSE MKTAmerican LLC corporate governance rules. Moreover, our Second Amended and Restated Articles includes the casting vote provided to our Chairman of the Board under certain circumstances and the ability of members of our Board to demand that certain issues be approved by our shareholders, requiring a special majority, all as more fully described in “Memorandum of Association and Second Amended and Restated Articles” below may have the effect of delaying or preventing certain changes and corporate actions that would otherwise benefit our shareholders.

Our ordinary shares are listed in two markets and this may result in price variations that could affect the trading price of our ordinary shares. Our ordinary shares have beenare listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “ELLO” since August 22, 2011American LLC and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, or TASE, both under the symbol “ELLO” since October 27, 2013.“ELLO.” Trading in our ordinary shares on these markets is made in different currencies (U.S. dollars on the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC and New Israeli Shekels on the TASE), and at different times (due to the different time zones, different trading days and different public holidays in the United States and Israel). The trading prices of our ordinary shares on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the trading price of our ordinary shares on one of these markets could cause a decrease in the trading price of our ordinary shares on the other market.

Our non-compliance with the continued listing requirements of the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC could cause the delisting of our ordinary shares.  The NYSE MKTAmerican LLC requires listed companies to comply with continued listing requirements, including with respect to stockholders’ equity, distribution of shares and low selling price. There can be no assurance that we will continue to qualify for listing on the NYSE MKT.American LLC. If our ordinary shares are delisted from the NYSE MKT,American LLC, trading in our ordinary shares in the United States could be conducted on an electronic bulletin board such as the OTC Bulletin Board, which could affect the liquidity of our ordinary shares and the ability of the shareholders to sell their ordinary shares in the secondary market, which, in turn, may adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares. Also,In addition, as our shares are nowalso traded on the TASE, to the extent our shares are delisted from the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC we could decide to cease being a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which may make it more difficult for investors to find up to date information about us, in English or at all. Moreover, in the event our ordinary shares are delisted from the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC but are still listed on the TASE, we will be required to start filing and publishing reports in Hebrew with the Israeli authorities in a similar manner to the Israeli public companies whose shares are not listed on an exchange recognized by the Israeli regulator, which will subject us to additional substantial expenses and to additional regulatory requirements that may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our stock price has been very volatile in the past and may continue to be volatile, which could adversely affect the market liquidity of our ordinary shares and our ability to raise additional funds. The market liquidity and analyst coverage of our ordinary shares is limited. Our ordinary shares have experienced substantial price volatility, particularly as there is still very limited volume of trading in our ordinary shares and every transaction performed significantly influences the market price. Although our ordinary shares have beenare listed both on the NYSE MKT since August 22, 2011American LLC and on the TASE, since October 27, 2013, there is still limited liquidity, and limited media and analyst coverage of our business and prospects, and these circumstances, combined with the general economic and political conditions, these circumstances cause the market price for our ordinary shares to continue to be volatile. The continuance of such factors and other factors relating to our business may materially adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares in the future and could result in lower prices for our ordinary shares than might otherwise prevail and in larger spreads between the bid and asked prices for our ordinary shares. These issues could materially impair our ability to raise funds through the issuance of our ordinary shares in the securities markets.

Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult an acquisition of Ellomay or a controlling position in Ellomay, which could prevent a change of control and, therefore, depress the price of our shares.  Israeli corporate law regulates mergers, requires tender offers for acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers or significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to these types of transactions. Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions unappealing to us or to some of our shareholders. These provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult an acquisition of Ellomay, which could prevent a change of control and therefore depress the price of our shares.

Our legal and commercial name is Ellomay Capital Ltd. Our office is located at 9 Rothschild Boulevard, 2^nd floor, Tel-Aviv 6688112, Israel, and our telephone number is +972-3-7971111. Our registered agent in the United States is CT Corporation System, 111 Eight Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

We were incorporated as an Israeli corporation under the name Nur Advertisement Industries 1987 Ltd. on July 29, 1987. On August 1, 1993, we changed our name to NUR Advanced Technologies Ltd., on November 16, 1997 we again changed our name to NUR Macroprinters Ltd. and on April 7, 2008, in connection with the closing of the sale of our business to HP, we again changed our name to Ellomay Capital Ltd. Our corporate governance is controlled by the Israeli Companies Law, 1999, as amended, or the Companies Law.

Our ordinary shares are currently listed on the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC and are also listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO” under the Israeli regulatory “dual listing” regime that provides companies whose securities are listed both in the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC and the TASE certain reporting leniencies.

In May 2016,October 2017, we exercisedacquired 100% of the second optionequity of Sun Team Group Ltd., or Sun Team Group (currently Ellomay Holdings Talmei Yosef Ltd.), an Israeli company that owns (through its subsidiaries) the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, a photovoltaic site with fixed technology and a nominal capacity of approximately 9 MWp in Talmei Yosef, Israel from Solegreen Ltd. (TASE: SLGN), or Solegreen, in consideration for an aggregate amount of NIS 39 million (approximately €9.5 million), subject to acquire additionalcertain adjustments, after which the aggregate consideration amounted to approximately NIS 48.6 million (approximately €11.8 million), of which an amount of NIS 1 million (approximately €0.24 million) was deposited in an escrow account until final adjustments (if required) of the consideration pursuant to the reviewed quarterly financial statements of the Talmei Yosef related entities dated September 30, 2017 The escrow deposit amount was released in March 2018.. Prior to the consummation of this acquisition, Sun Team Group held approximately NIS 8.2 million (approximately €2 million) in cash, therefore, the net purchase price was approximately NIS 40.4 million (approximately €9.8 million).

In April 2017, we, through Ellomay Luxemburg, entered into a share purchase agreement, or the Talasol SPA, pursuant to which Ellomay Luxemburg acquired the entire share capital of Dori Energy. Followinga Spanish company, Talasol Solar S.L., or Talasol, which is promoting the exerciseconstruction of a photovoltaic plant with a peak capacity of 300 MW in the municipality of Talaván, Cáceres, Spain, or the Talasol Project. The Talasol SPA provides that the purchase price for Talasol’s shares is Euro 10 million and this option, our holdingsamount was deposited in Dori Energy increasedescrow. The release of the amount from 49%escrow is subject to 50%customary conditions subsequent in these types of transactions, the occurrence of any of which by June 30, 2018 will allow us to automatically terminate the Talasol SPA. These conditions include receipt of certain regulatory approvals and our indirect ownershipentry into certain material agreements. The Talasol SPA further provides the sellers with rights to terminate the Talasol SPA in the event the regulatory approvals are granted and we or Talasol fail to take certain actions required in order to advance the Project. Such conditions subsequent were not met as of Dorad increased from 9.1875%March 15, 2018.

In January 2018, Talasol executed a binding term sheet with a leading international energy company with an investment grade credit rating operating in more than 40 countries, or the Hedging Provider, in relation to 9.375%. The aggregate amount paida power financial hedge of 3,500-3,700 GWh for 10 years, or the Talasol PPA, in connection with the exerciseTalasol Project. The power produced by the Talasol Project is expected to be sold by Talasol to the open market for the then current market power price. The Talasol PPA is expected to hedge the risks associated with fluctuating electricity market prices by allowing Talasol to secure a certain level of income for the power production included under the Talasol PPA. The hedging provides that if the market price goes below a price underpinned by the PPA, the Hedging Provider will pay Talasol the difference between the market price and the underpinned price, and if the market price is above the underpinned price, Talasol will pay the Hedging Provider the difference between the market price and the underpinned price. The hedged production under the Talasol PPA is currently expected to be 3,500-3,700 GWh during a fixed term of 10 years, commencing shortly after commercial operation of the option amountedTalasol Project commences.

Based on current technical analysis, the P50 expected production of the Talasol Project will be approximately 490-565 GWh per annum, depending on the final design of the Talasol Project, which will be determined by the EPC Tender. Talasol is expecting that the Talasol Project’s CAPEX will amount to approximately NIS 2.8Euro 200-230 million, (approximately $0.7 million), including development costs of approximately NIS 0.4Euro 20 million (approximately $0.1 million) requiredand interest of approximately Euro 7 million. Based on the current technical analysis, a price projection analysis and the expected hedging effect of the Talasol PPA as reflected in orderthe binding term sheet executed, the Talasol Project’s revenues are currently expected to realignbe in the shareholders loans providedrange of Euro 20-25 million per annum.

 

PursuantFurther to the Ludan Agreement, in April 2017 we, through Ellomay Luxemburg, entered in July 2016 - November 2016 into loan agreements with Ludan whereby we provided approximately Euro 2.1 million (approximately $2.3 million) to Ludan, or the Ludan Loans, for purposesacquired 51% of the acquisitionshares of the rights in Groen Gas GoorOude-Tonge B.V., or Groen Goor, a project company developing an anaerobic digestion plant, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 375 Nm3/h, in Goor, the Netherlands, or the Goor Project and the land onOude Tonge, which the Goor Project will be constructed. Ellomay Luxemburg was issued shares representing a 51% interest in Groen Goor. The Ludan Loans converted into shareholder’s loans upon the financial closing of the Goor Project. For more information concerning the Goor Project and the terms of the Goor Project’s financing see below under “Groen Goor Project Finance.”

In August 2016, Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., or Ellomay PS, a 75% owned subsidiary of the Company, received a conditional license, or the Conditional License, for the Manara Cliff pumped storage project from the Israeli Minister of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Resources, or the Minister. The Conditional License regulates the construction of a pumped storage plant in the Manara Cliff with a capacity of 340 MW, or the Manara Project. The Conditional License includes several conditions precedent to the entitlement of the holder of the Conditional License to receive an electricity production license. The Conditional License is valid for a period of seventy two (72) months commencing from the date of its approval by the Minister, subject to compliance by Ellomay PS with the milestones set forth therein and subject to the other provisions set forth therein (including a financial closing, the provision of guarantees and the construction of the pumped storage hydro power plant).

From 2014 through March 1, 2016,2018, we made aggregate capital expenditures of an aggregate amount of approximately Euroeuro 9.8 million ($10.3in connection with our Spanish PV Plants. Our aggregate capital expenditure in connection with the acquisition of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant was approximately NIS 48.6 million (approximately €11.4 million, based on the U.S. Dollar/NISNIS/euro exchange rate as atof March 1, 2017) in connection with our Italian and Spanish PV Plants.2018). Our aggregate capital expenditure in connection with the acquisition of shares in U. Dori Energy Infrastructure Ltd., including the exercise of options to acquire additional shares of U. Dori Energy during 2015 and 2016, which increased our percentage holding to 50%, before principal loan repayments from Dori Energy, is approximately NIS 135.6 million (approximately $37.3 million)€31.8 million, based on the NIS/euro exchange rate as of March 1, 2018). The aggregate capital expenditures in connection with the Manara ProjectPSP through March 1, 20172018 were approximately NIS 15.718.6 million (approximately $4.3€4.4 million). Our aggregate capital expenditure in connection with the Goor Project through March 1, 2017 was approximately Euro 2 million (approximately $2.1 million). We expect that our capital expenditures in connection with the additionalWaste-to-Energy Projects in the Netherlands anaerobic digestion plant (as noted above, with a green gas production capacity ofthrough March 1, 2018 were approximately 475 Nm3/h), will be approximately Euro 2 million (approximately $2.1 million).euro 16.2 million.

For further information on our financing activities please refer to “Item 4.B: Business Overview” and “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

We are involved in the production of renewable and clean energy. We own sixteenseventeen PV Plants that are operating and connected to their respective national grids as follows: (i) twelve photovoltaic plants in Italy with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 22.6 MWp, and (ii) four photovoltaic plants in Spain with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 7.9 MWp and (iii) one photovoltaic plant in Israel with an installed capacity of approximately 9 MWp. In addition, we indirectly ownown: (i) 9.375% of Dorad, which owns an approximate 850 MWp bi-fuel operated power plant in the vicinity of Ashkelon, Israel, (ii) 51% of Groen Gas Goor B.V and of Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V., project companies developing anaerobic digestion plants with a green gas production capacity of approximately 375 Nm3/h, in Goor, the Netherlands and 475 Nm3/h, in Oude Tonge, the Netherlands, respectively, (iii) Talasol, which is involved in a project to construct a photovoltaic plant with a peak capacity of 300 MW in the municipality of Talaván, Cáceres, Spain, and (iv) 75% of Chashgal Elyon Ltd., Agira Sheuva Electra, L.P. and Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., all of which are involved in a project to construct a 340156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel and 51% of Groen Gas Goor B.V., which is a company constructing an anaerobic digestion facility in Goor, the Netherlands.Israel.

Clean electricity generation accounts for a growing share of Electric power. While a majority of the world’s current electricity supply is still generated from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, these traditional energy sources face a number of challenges including fluctuating prices, security concerns over dependence on imports from a limited number of countries, and growing environmental concerns over the climate change risks associated with power generation using fossil fuels. As a result of these and other challenges facing traditional energy sources, governments, businesses and consumers are increasingly supporting the development of alternative energy sources, including solar energy, the fastest-growing source of renewable energy.

By extracting energy directly from the sun and converting it into an immediately usable form, either as heat or electricity, intermediate steps are eliminated.

Global trends in the industry

According to information published online by SolarPower Europe, the new EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association), the solar power market has grown significantly in the past decade. In the first three quarters of 2016, 5.32017, 6.03 GW of photovoltaic systems were installed in EuropeEU member states (compared to 6.55.69 GW during the same period in 2015,2016, mainly due to the UK’s reductionDutch and French governmental support).

During 2017, new photovoltaic systems installations in FiT for smaller installation and termination of support programs for larger-scale installations). In 2015, solarEurope grew by 15%approximately 28% compared to 2016, mainly due to Solar installation growth of approximately 214% in Europe connecting 8 GWTurkey. Despite a further decline of solar powerdemand in the UK by more than half in 2017, the European PV market is forecasted to grow. SolarPower expects annual installations to increase to up to 15.7 GW in 2021.

The global solar market in 2016 was dominated by China, which connected 34.5 GW to the grid. Global grid-connected solar increased by 25%grid, a 128% increase over the 15.1 GW it connected to an estimated 50.1 GW in 2015, from 40.2 GW in 2014. On a global level, new solar power capacity increased by 25%, adding 50 GWthe grid in 2015. An estimated 228 GW of solar power are now installedIn 2016, Asia-Pacific has become the largest solar-powered region in the world, up from 178with 147.2 GW in 2014. Theof total installed capacity, equal to a 48% global market share. After China, the two biggest markets are again located in Asia - ChinaJapan and Japan, with the US ranked third.US.

European PV markets have experienced a slowdown thatNew solar installations in a numberIsrael are far behind the government targets - at the end of European countries can be explained by governmental retrospective measures that have adversely affected investors’ confidence, for example in2015, solar licenses provided constituted approximately 32% of the UK as explained above and as further explained in “Material Effects of Government Regulations on the PV Plants” below. 2015 was a successful yeargovernment target for the solar power industry after three consecutive years of decline in Europe.same year. The base for Europe's solar power demand in 2015 derived from mainly three countries - UK, Germany and France. These top three markets accounted for 75%renewable energy production out of the connections. The changestotal energy production in Israel as of the UK incentive schemes during the first quarterend of 2016 caused a decline in the growth of photovoltaic installations in Europe during the first three quarters of 2016. With over 100 GW of installed capacity, Europe is still the most solarised continent– with, on average, nearly 4% of electricity consumption and in its most mature markets, such as Germany, Greece and Italy, around 8%2017 was approximately 2.6%.

Solar power systems convert the energy in sunlight directly into electrical energy within solar cells based on the photovoltaic effect. Multiple solar cells, which produce DC power, are electrically interconnected into solar panels. A typical solar panel may have several dozens of individual solar cells. Multiple solar panels are electrically wired together and are electrically wired to an inverter, which converts the power from DC to AC and interconnects with the utility grid.

Solar electric cells convert light energy into electricity at the atomic level. The conversion efficiency of a solar electric cell is defined as the ratio of the sunlight energy that hits the cell divided by the electrical energy that is produced by the cell. In recent years, effort in the industry has been directed towards the development of solar cell technology that reduces per watt costs and increases conversion efficiency. Solar electric cells today are getting better at converting sunlight to electricity, but commercial panels still harvest only part of the radiation they’re exposed to. Scientists are working to improve solar panels’ efficiency using various methods.

Solar electric panels are composed of multiple solar cells, along with the necessary internal wiring, aluminum and glass framework, and external electrical connections.

Inverters convert the DC power from solar panels to the AC power used in buildings.distributed by the electricity grid. Grid-tie inverters synchronize to utility voltage and frequency and only operate when utility power is stable (in the case of a power failure these grid-tie inverters shut down to safeguard utility personnel from possible harm during repairs). Inverters also operate to maximize the power extracted from the solar panels, regulating the voltage and current output of the solar array based on sun intensity.

Monitoring. There are two basic approaches to access information on the performance of a solar power system. The most accurate and reliable approach is to collect the solar power performance data locally from the counters and the inverter with a hard-wired connection and then transmit that data via the internet to a centralized database. Data on the performance of a system can then be accessed from any device with a web browser, including personal computers and cell phones. As an alternative to web-based remote monitoring, most commercial inverters have a digital display on the inverter itself that shows performance data and can also display this data on a nearby personal computer with a hard-wired or wireless connection.

As described above, someSome of our PV Plants use fixed solar panels while others use panels equipped with single or dual axis tracking technology. Tracking technology is used to minimize the angle of incidence between the incoming light and a photovoltaic panel. As photovoltaic panels accept direct and diffuse light energy and panels using tracking technology always gather the available direct light, the amount of energy produced by such panels, compared to panels with a fixed amount of installed power generating capacity, is higher. As the double axis trackers allow the photovoltaic production to stay closer to maximum capacity for many additional hours, an increase of approximately 20% (single) - 30% (dual) of the photovoltaic modules plane irradiation can be estimated. On the other hand, tracker technology requires more complex and expensive operations and maintenance and, as this is a more sophisticated technology, it is exposed to more defects.

The direct conversion of light into energy offers the following benefits compared to conventional energy sources:

 

 

 

 

 

These benefits have impacted our decision to enter into the solar photovoltaic market. We believe the fluctuations in fuel costs, environmental concerns and energy security make it likely that the demand for solar power production will continue to grow. Many countries, including Italy and Spain, have put incentive programs in place to spur the installation of grid-tied solar power systems. For further information please see “Material Effects of Government Regulations on the PV Plants.”

 

There are several risk factors associated with the photovoltaic market. See “Item 3.D: Risk Factors - Risks RelatingRelated to our Business.”

The following table includes information concerning our PV Plants:

1. The actual capacity of a photovoltaic plant is generally subject to a degradation of 0.5%-0.7% per year, depending on climate conditions and quality of the solar panels.

 

 

3. These results are not indicative of future results due to various factors, including changes in the climate and the degradation of the solar panels.

 

4. ThisThe acquisition of this PV Plant was 85% owned by us until July 2015, when we acquiredconsummated on October 18, 2017 and therefore revenues for the remaining 15% minority interest.period prior to consummation of the acquisition are not reflected herein.

 

The construction and operation of photovoltaic plants entail the engagement of Contractors, in order to build, assemble, install, test, commission, operate and maintain the photovoltaic power plants, for the benefit of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Each of the PV Plants is constructed and operates on the basis of the following main agreements:

Our aggregate capital expenditures to date in connection with our PV Plants is approximately Euroeuro 76.4 million.

As all of our PV Plants are operational, the summaries below describe the material terms of the O&M Agreements executed in connection with such PV Plants. Certain of the EPC Contracts and forms of O&M Agreements were filed as exhibits to previously filed annual reports on Form 20-F. In the event we decide to further develop the Talasol Project, we expect that we will execute an EPC contract with the relevant contractor on a turnkey basis.

As mentioned above, each of the PV Plants is operated and maintained by a local contractor pursuant to an O&M Agreement executed between such Contractor and our subsidiary that owns the PV Plant, or the PV Principal. Each O&M Agreement sets out the terms under which each of the Contractors is to operate and maintain the PV Plant once it becomes operational.

Currently manyWhile the majority of our PV Plants replaced the original O&M Contractors to improve price and service levels, in certain cases the EPC companies providestill provides O&M services to the photovoltaic plants and weplants. We expect that, if required, we will be able to replace some or all of our current O&M Contractors with other contractors and service providers. However, we cannot ensure that if such replacement shall take place we will be able to receive the same terms and warranties from the new contractor. In addition, to the extent the relevant PV Plant received financing from a bank or other financing institution, the applicable financing agreement will generally requirerequires that we obtain the financing institution’s approval for the replacement of an O&M contractor.

Each O&M Agreement governs the provision of the following services: (i) Subscription Services, which include Preventive Maintenance Services (maintenance services such as cleaning of panels and taking care of vegetation, surveillance, remote supervision of operation and full operational status of the PV Plant) and Corrective Maintenance Services (services to correct incidents arising at the PV Plant or to remedy any anomaly in the operation of the PV Plant), and (ii) Non-Subscription Services, which are all services that are outside the scope of the Subscription Services. In some cases, certain engagement agreements are executed by us directly with service providers (such as internet, security services, etc.).

Based on the range of services offered by the Contractor, the annual consideration for the Subscription Services varies from Euro 22,500euro 19,000 to Euroeuro 36,000 per MWp (reduced to approximately Euro 19,000 to Euro 36,000 with effect from 2016) (linked to the Italian inflation rate or the Spanishlocal Consumer Price Index) for each of the PV Plants, paid in the majority of the PV Plants on a quarterly basis. The Subscription Services fee is fixed and the Contractor is not entitled to request an increase in the price due to the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances. This annual consideration does not include the price of the insurance policies to be obtained by the PV Principal, including all risk insurance policies.

The Contractor’s obligations under the O&M Agreement include, inter alia, the duty to diligently perform the operation and maintenance services in compliance with the applicable law and permits in a workmanlike manner and using the most advanced technologies, to manage the spare parts and replenish the inventory as needed, and to assist the PV Principal and the Financing Entity in dealing with the authorities by providing the necessary information required by such authorities. The Contractor represents and warrants, inter alia, that it holds the necessary permits and authorizations, and that it has the necessary skills and experience to perform the services contemplated by the O&M Agreement.

Each party may terminate the O&M Agreement (to the extent applicable, after obtaining the approval of the financing entity) if the other is in breach of any of its obligations that remainsremain uncured for 30 days following written notice thereof.

The O&M Agreement is terminated if the Contractor is liquidated or becomes bankrupt or insolvent, and on other similar grounds, unless the PV Principal is willing to continue the O&M Agreement.

The O&M Agreements also provide the parties the option to withdraw from the agreement other than in the event of a breach by the other party, subject to certain advance notice requirements.

Our competitors are mostly other entities that seek land and contractors to construct new power plants on their behalf or seek to purchase existing photovoltaic power plants. The competition in the Israeli photovoltaic sector concentrates on the ability to receive licenses from the Israeli Electricity Authority for the construction of new photovoltaic plants, duewhich is subject to a quota as more fully described below and the changing regulatory regime relatingability to newly built photovoltaic plants.acquire existing plants that were already granted an electricity production license. The market for solar energy is intensely competitive and rapidly evolving, and many of our competitors who strive to construct new solar power plants have established more prominent market positions and are more experienced in this field. Our competitors in this market include Etrion Corporation (TSX, TO:ETX), Sunflower Sustainable Investments Ltd. (TASE:SNFL), Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. (TASE:ENLT), Energixs Renewable Energies Ltd. (TASE:ENRG), Allerion Clean Power S.p.A. (ARN.MI), NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE:NEP), NRG Yield (NASD:NYLD), TransAlta Renewables (TSX:RNW), Pattern Energy Group (NASD:PEGI), Abengoa Yield PLC (NASD:ABY), NextEnergy Solar Fund Limited (LSE:NESF), Bluefield Solar Income Fund Limited (LSE:BSIF), Infinis Energy PLC (LSE:INFI), The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited (LSE:TRIG) and TerraForm Power, Inc. (NASD:TERP). If we fail to attract and retain ongoing relationships with solar plants developers, we will be unable to reach additional agreements for the development and operation of additional solar plants, should we wish to do so.

Solar power production has a seasonal cycle due to its dependency on the direct and indirect sunlight and the effect the amount of sunlight has on the output of energy produced. Although we received the technical calculation of the average production recorded in the area of each of our PV Plants from our technical advisors and incorporated such data into our financial models, adverse meteorological conditions can have a material impact on the PV Plants’ output and could result in production of electricity below expected output. For example, the radiation levels during the year ended December 31, 2016 were lower than the radiation levels during the same period in 2015 and in 2017, resulting in lower revenues from our PV Plants during the period.

As noted above, the construction of our PV Plants entails the assembly of solar panels and inverters that are purchased from third party suppliers. One of theA critical factorsfactor in the success of our PV Plants is the existence of reliable panel suppliers, who guaranty the performance and quality of the panels supplied. Degradation in such performance above a certain minimum level, generally 90% during the initial ten year period and 80% during the following ten-fifteen year period, is guaranteed by the panel suppliers. However, if any of the supplierssupplier is unreliable or becomes insolvent, it may default on warranty obligations.

There are currently sufficient numbers of solar panel manufacturers at sufficient quality and we are not currently dependent on one or more specific suppliers.

In addition, silicon is a dominant component of the solar panels, and although manufacturing abilities have increased over-time, any shortage of silicon, or any other material component necessary for the manufacture of the solar panels, may adversely affect our business.

The construction and operation of the PV Plants is subject to complex legislation covering, inter alia, building permits, licenses, and the governmental long-term incentive scheme.scheme and security considerations. The following is a brief summary of the regulations applicable to our PV Plants.

The regulatory framework surrounding the Italian PV Plants consists of legislation at the Italian national and local level. Relevant European legislation has been incorporated into Italian legislation, as described below.

Construction of the PV Plants is subject to receipt of appropriate construction authorizations, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 380 of 2001, or Decree 380, and Legislative Decree 29 December 2003 no. 387, or Decree 387, the latter of which implements European Directive no. 77 of 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market.

Decree 387 aims to promote renewable energies, inter alia by simplifying the procedures required to commence constructions. In particular, it regulates the so-called Autorizzazione Unica, or AU, in relation to renewable energy plants. The AU is an authorization issued by the Region in which the construction is to take place, or by other local competent authorities, and which joins together all permits, authorizations and opinions that would otherwise be necessary to begin construction (such as, building licenses, landscape authorizations, permits for the interconnection facilities, etc.). The only authorization not included in the AU is the environmental impact assessment (valutazione di impatto ambientale, or VIA, see below), which needs to be obtained before the AU procedure is started. The AU is issued following a procedure called Conferenza di Servizi in which all relevant entities and authorities participate. Such procedure is expected to be completed within 180 days of the filing of the relevant application, but such term is not mandatory and cannot entirely be relied upon.

Decree 380, which is the general law on building administrative procedures, provides another track for obtaining the construction permit. Pursuant to this decree, the construction authorization can be obtained through a permesso di costruire, or the Building Permit, which is an express authorization granted by the competent municipality. Upon positive outcome of the municipality’s review, the Building Permit is granted. Works must start, under penalty of forfeiture of the Building Permit, within one year following the date of issuance, and must be completed within the following three years.

Decree 380 also regulates the so-called Dichiarazione di inizio attività, or DIA, procedure. DIA is a self-certification process whereby the applicant declares that the project in question complies with all relevant requirements and conditions. The competent authority can deny the authorization within 30 days of receipt of DIA; should such a denial not be issued within such term - which is mandatory - the authorization shall be deemed granted and the applicant is allowed to start the works. The DIA procedure can be used in relation to plants whose power is lower than 20 kW. Since the expected power output of the PV Plants exceeds 20kW, the DIA is not available for the PV Plants. With the entry into force of the Romani Decree on March 29, 2011, which implemented European applicable directives (in particular, directive no. 28 of 2009), the DIA procedure has been replaced, with respect to plants fed by renewable energy sources, by the so called procedura abilitativa semplificata, or PAS, according to which, very similarly to the DIA procedure, an applicant can start construction of a plant after 30 days of the filing of the application with the competent Municipality provided that the latter has in such time not raised objections and/or requested integrations. With respect to photovoltaic plants, under the Romani Decree the PAS applies to plants with a power up to 20 kWp, and regions can increase such threshold up to 1 MWp.

The Italian PV Plants rely on three AUs, three DIAs and six Building Permits.

 

 

The procedures for the connection to the national grid are provided by the Authority for Electric Energy and Gas, or AEEGSI. Currently, the procedure to be followed for the connection is regulated by the AEEGSI Resolution no. 99 of 2008 (Testo Integrato delle Connessioni Attive, or TICA) which replaces previous legislation and has subsequently been integrated and partially amended by AEEGSI Resolutions no. 124/2010 and 125/2010. According to TICA, an application for connection must be filed with the competent local grid operator, after which the latter notifies the applicant the estimated time for connection, or STMC. The STMC shall be accepted within 45 days of issuance. However, in order for the authorization to the connection to become definitive, all relevant authorization procedures (such as easements, ministerial nulla osta, etc.) must be successfully completed.

 

There are three alternative modalities to sell electricity:

The Italian government promotes renewable energies by providing certain incentives. In particular, with Ministerial Decree 19.2.2007, or the Second Conto Energia, the production of renewable electric energy from photovoltaic sources has been promoted by granting a fixed FiT for a period of 20 years from connection of PV plants. The FiT is determined with reference to the nominal power of the plant, the characteristics of the plant (plants are divided into non-integrated; partially integrated and architecturally integrated) and the year on which the plant has been connected to the grid. The FiT provided for by the Second Conto Energia are as follows:

__________________________

¹ With regard to the Italian PV Plants under the Second Conto Energia the tariffs equal to € 0.346/kWh.

The figures above refer to plants which started operation within December 31, 2010. For plants which commenced operations between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, the FiT will be reduced by 2% for each calendar year following 2008.

Pursuant to Ministerial Decree dated August 6, 2010, or the Third Conto Energia, a fixed FiT is granted for a period of 20 years from the date on which the plant is connected to the grid in relation to plants that entered into operation from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The FiT provided for by the Third Conto Energia are as follows:

The plants that entered into operation in 2012 and 2013 were granted the tariff referred to in column C above deducted by 6% each year.

However, the Romani Decree provides that the Third Conto Energia shall apply only to photovoltaic plants whose grid connection has been achieved by May 31, 2011.

The Romani Decree provides that, starting from its entry into force, ground mounted PV plants installed on agricultural lands, will benefit from incentives, provided that:

 

 

Such provisions do not apply to ground mounted PV plants installed on agricultural lands provided either that they have been admitted to incentives within the date of entry into force of the Romani Decree, or the authorization for the construction of the PV plant was obtained, or the application there for submitted, by January 1, 2011; and provided that in any case the PV plant commences operations within one year from the date of entry into force of the Romani Decree. However, all PV Plants have already been connected to the national grid and have already been awarded the incentives agreed under the relevant EPC Contract.

As an implementation to the Romani Decree, a new Decree was issued on May 5, 2011, or the Fourth Conto Energia, setting out the new FiT for PV plants that entered into operations after May 31, 2011.

 

 

The following table provides the FiT and the relevant reduction, which applied to PV plants which entered into operation after December 31, 2012 on the basis of the Fourth Conto Energia.