USTDA generates an average of $136 in U.S. exports for every dollar it programs. Since its inception, the Agency has supported more than $115 billion in U.S. exports to infrastructure projects in emerging economies, helping companies create good-paying jobs across the United States.
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to PT Medco Power Indonesia (Medco), a private Indonesian energy developer, for a feasibility study to help develop an estimated 111-megawatt wind power plant in West Sumbawa, in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province. The project will facilitate the replacement of high-polluting sources of power with clean, renewable energy.
“USTDA’s partnership with Medco will advance Indonesia’s clean energy transition and offer communities in West Sumbawa a renewable source of power,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “We anticipate strong interest by U.S. industry to partner with Medco on the implementation of this priority project and believe that the flexibility and relevance of our project preparation tools to Indonesia’s infrastructure needs makes us natural partners.”
USTDA’s study will provide Medco with a detailed wind resource assessment, a preliminary geotechnical analysis, a power plant and interconnection system design, a grid integration study, a preliminary environmental and social impact assessment, a risk assessment, a cost and economic analysis, and an implementation plan.
“As one of the leading clean and renewable power companies in Indonesia, Medco Power continues to support the Indonesian Government’s commitment to climate change mitigation and targets towards emissions reduction and net zero goals,” said Eka Satria, President Director of PT Medco Power Indonesia. “This signing is also part of our climate change strategy in developing the electricity portfolio from renewable energy.”
Michael F. Kleine, Deputy Chief of Mission for U.S. Embassy Jakarta, said: “The U.S. government is proud to partner with Indonesia to promote renewable energy solutions. This project demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to help Indonesia in its clean energy transition towards achieving net zero emissions.”
USTDA’s grant highlights how the Agency advances the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework in collaboration with public and private sector partners across the region. This activity also advances the goals of USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which connects U.S. industry to major clean energy and climate-smart transportation infrastructure projects in emerging markets, and will support Indonesia’s clean energy transition under the Net Zero World (NZW) initiative and recently announced Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it has awarded a grant to Fiji’s Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics (MoF) for a feasibility study that will advance the country’s dual goals of 100% rural electrification and renewable power generation by 2036. MoF selected Arizona State University’s Laboratory for Energy and Power Solutions (ASU) to carry out the study, in collaboration with the international intergovernmental Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and California-based XENDEE Corporation.
“Last September, the White House designated USTDA as the lead implementing agency of its Pacific Island Strategic Infrastructure Initiative. Our partnership with Fiji demonstrates concrete action toward deepening U.S. engagement on infrastructure development with the Pacific Islands,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Fiji has ambitious goals to connect its citizens to clean sources of power and address the impacts of climate change. USTDA is proud to partner with the Government of Fiji and to bring U.S. solutions in support of their vision.”
The goal of USTDA’s study is to support the development of up to 75 solar-powered minigrids with energy storage. The study will assess 300 isolated communities that lack access to reliable and affordable electricity and prioritize 75 for community engagement and detailed feasibility assessments. This will include the development of technical models, geospatial site planning, sustainable business models, climate change impact assessments, and ownership and operation models. The study will also include the preparation of public tender documents for the construction, operation and maintenance of the minigrids.
“The Ministry of Finance expresses gratitude to USTDA for this new partnership through USTDA and the ASU,” said Shiri Gounder, Permanent Secretary for the MoF. “We are confident that USTDA’s feasibility study, together with ASU and GGGI’s guidance, will bring successful outcomes that will contribute to a clean and sustainable growth in Fiji’s energy sector. Only 96% of people in Fiji have access to electricity and through the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund. Our gtovernment is striving to address the energy needs of the remaining 4% of our population.”
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji Marie Damour, said: “With support from the United States, the Government of Fiji, along with public and private sector partners, will begin to create market opportunities for investors in clean energy and support affordable energy access for rural communities.”
In addition to the Pacific Island Strategic Infrastructure Initiative, USTDA’s support for this project advances the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, with the goal of promoting clean energy, decarbonization, and infrastructure across the globe.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA –Today USTDA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, issued a request for public comments on climate adaptation and resilience-related technologies and services. The purpose of this request is to enhance the U.S. government’s understanding of opportunities and challenges for U.S. exporters in these sectors. The input will be used to help identify possible Federal government actions and programming to foster U.S. export competitiveness of climate adaptation and resilience-related technologies and services. It will also inform alignment of U.S. government trade promotion and trade policy activities to sectors and markets that present the greatest opportunities for U.S. exporters and address relevant trade barriers.
The request comes in support of the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), a whole-of-government initiative to help more than half a billion people in developing countries adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change. PREPARE serves as the cornerstone of the U.S. government response to enhance global stability and security by addressing the increasing impacts of the global climate crisis.
“Emerging economies will need to invest trillions of dollars in infrastructure over the next decade,” said Eric Haxthausen, Senior Advisor for Climate, Partnerships and Innovation at USTDA. “We believe there are significant opportunities for the U.S. private sector to contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects that address adaptation and resilience needs in developing and middle-income countries. With today’s notice, we intend to learn more about how we can support U.S. companies in supplying these markets.”
For more information and to submit comments, please see the notice in the Federal Register. Comments are requested by June 30, 2023.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced grant funding for a feasibility study to develop a new airline that will service Timor-Leste’s Oé-Cusse Ambeno exclave. The project will link non-contiguous regions of Timor-Leste through aviation, while enhancing the country’s connection to destinations across Southeast Asia and around the world. New York-based Alton Aviation Consultancy will carry out the study for USTDA’s grantee, the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno.
“Airlines are a crucial link for connecting people and markets and enhancing economic growth, especially in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Our partnership with Timor-Leste will support the development of one of its most important infrastructure priorities in a sector where U.S. companies have so much to offer in terms of expertise and technology.”
The Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno is a 315 square mile coastal exclave in the western part of the island of Timor. Its international airport has one daily flight to and from Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital city, that accommodates fewer than 20 travelers. Countrywide, the total number of international routes operating from Timor-Leste remains in the single digits, making it one of the least connected markets in Southeast Asia.
The objective of USTDA’s study is to determine the feasibility of establishing a new airline that will enhance passenger and cargo traffic for Oé-Cusse Ambeno and Timor-Leste. The study will develop a detailed business case for the new airline, and review Timor-Leste’s current and potential commercial aviation market. It will also evaluate options for business ownership of the airline, operational models, network strategy and a fleet strategy. The business case will include a financial model output based on two prioritized business ownership structures.
Arsénio Paixão Bano, President of the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno, said: “The Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno was created to promote inclusive development for its people. This goal is enhanced through a national program called the Special Zones of Social Market Economy of Timor-Leste, which provides us special legal provisions to advance socio-economic activities that promote the quality of life and well-being of our community. This includes aviation. Air connectivity to regional markets and around Timor-Leste is simultaneously a requirement and an opportunity for the Special Zone in Oé-Cusse. Our partnership with USTDA is so valuable because it will help make this priority a reality.”
Thomas E. Daley, Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste, said: “This project represents the U.S. commitment to strengthening our enduring partnership with Timor-Leste as we work together to advance a more stable, connected, and prosperous region. We look forward to the successful completion of this project and to more flight connections from Oé-Cusse in the very near future.”
This feasibility study is part of USTDA’s programming under the U.S.-Southeast Asia and Pacific Aviation Cooperation Program, which works with aviation stakeholders in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands to design programs that promote technical, policy and commercial cooperation in civil aviation. ACP is industry led and government supported with cooperation from five U.S. government agencies and more than 40 U.S. industry partners.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
Arlington, VA – Today, President Biden appointed Ellie Collinson to serve as the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Collinson served in the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ms. Collinson has over 20 years of professional operations and organizational leadership experience in the small business, nonprofit, political, and governmental arenas.
“USTDA is an organization with diverse, multi-disciplinary teams that are passionate about their work. I am motivated to ensure that this Agency has the internal infrastructure that it requires to continue its growth and build on its reputation as one of the world’s leading project preparation facilities,” said Collinson. “It is an honor to join USTDA and its global team of professionals.”
Ms. Collinson has been responsible for leading teams undergoing rapid expansion, downsizing, and leadership transitions on multiple occasions in her career. She has developed programs, and standalone organizations, and has worked with individual and institutional investors to design strategies and tactical plans for political, policy, and social change.
As Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Ms. Collinson led a team whose portfolio spanned Security & Intelligence, Budget, Acquisition Management, Facilities, Civil Rights, Performance Management, Human Resources, Privacy & Open Government, and Financial Management.
Ms. Collinson graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Colorado College with a degree in Asian Studies and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado-Denver.
Ms. Collinson is also a proud disabled lesbian and has served on the DC Human Rights Commission for the past six years as a Mayoral appointee.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | (703) 875-4357
USTDA Generates Record Results for U.S. Exporters
