Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Darway Coast Nigeria Limited for a feasibility study that will provide reliable electricity for more than 80,000 households and businesses in Nigeria using U.S. minigrid technology.
“Our partners in Nigeria and across Africa are turning to USTDA for innovative American solutions that will provide their people with new and expanded access reliable power,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “Our partnership with Darway Coast will also make a lasting difference by generating up to 23-megawatts of power for underserved markets, fostering inclusive economic growth and increasing local resiliency.”
USTDA’s study will support the deployment of 80 minigrids and 15 distributed generation units for commercial, industrial and institutional customers in rural communities across the country. The minigrids and distributed generation units will use solar photovoltaic panels with lithium batteries and smart meter solutions.
“Improving energy access for Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities is an important goal for the U.S. government. This grant demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria to supporting Nigeria’s power sector recovery program and the Nigeria electrification project by backing infrastructure projects that will empower communities through electrification,” said Mary Beth Leonard, U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We are excited and appreciative of the support from USTDA. We look forward to leveraging this support in empowering over 80,000 households and businesses in Nigeria,” said Henry Chigozie Ureh, CEO of Darway Coast.
This project supports the U.S. government’s Power Africa and Prosper Africa Initiatives.
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 development 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: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357
Istanbul, Turkey – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced the awarding of a grant to support the modernization and transformation of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s transportation network. USTDA’s assistance funds a pilot project to improve roadway congestion and optimize public transportation in Turkey’s largest city.
“USTDA is committed to supporting Turkey’s smart city goals, and this partnership with Istanbul will have a definite impact on one of the world’s largest and most dynamic cities,” said Todd Abrajano, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “Through USTDA’s U.S.-Turkey Next Generation Cities Initiative, we are engaging with our Turkish partners, developing world-class infrastructure solutions and creating unique business opportunities for U.S. industry.”
USTDA’s grant will support the installation of an artificial intelligence software analytics platform to evaluate Istanbul’s road traffic, optimize public transportation, manage traffic incidents and adapt to changing patterns. Combined with other sensor and networking technology, the project’s data analytics tool, which will be provided by North Carolina-based SAS, will create a real-time picture of Istanbul’s traffic conditions.
“The U.S. Mission to Turkey is committed to supporting smart city development,” said U.S. Ambassador to Turkey David M. Satterfield. “USTDA’s early stage project preparation tools are providing critical support to Turkish cities as they transform to better serve their citizens. We are delighted to partner with the city of Istanbul as it reimagines its transportation network.”
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu added, “I believe the data analytics platform granted by USTDA will make significant contributions to the digital transformation of Istanbul. This valuable cooperation will benefit all Istanbulites, and our good relations will only strengthen in the future.”
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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 development 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: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357
Quito, Ecuador – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant to Ecuador’s National Electricity Operator (CENACE) that will enhance the real-time management of the country’s electricity grid and improve the stability and reliability of its power supply network.
“Ecuador has ambitious plans to expand its transmission network and interconnections with Colombia and Peru. Our assistance to modernize its national grid control center will provide foundational support for this goal and serve the country for years to come,” said USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency Todd Abrajano. “U.S. companies are known for the kinds of innovative technologies CENACE will need, and we are committed to showcasing the best that American industry has to offer.”
USTDA’s assistance will assess upgrades to CENACE’s national grid control center in order to improve Ecuador’s grid stability and reliability. These upgrades will help the country meet its forecasted long-term growth in power demand and ensure the grid’s ability to incorporate and manage energy storage, utility-scale renewable and distributed generation, microgrids, demand response and electric vehicles.
“USTDA’s technical assistance ensures the protection of critical and sensitive electricity infrastructure in Ecuador in the coming years,” said U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Michael J. Fitzpatrick. “This commitment between governments and the private sector will ensure that Ecuador receives objective advice on updating its electricity distribution controls to meet the growing demands in an increasingly complex and threatening technological landscape.”
“USTDA has demonstrated a genuine interest in supporting the development of ambitious projects in Ecuador, such as CENACE’s plan to modernize the technology infrastructure of our national grid control center,” said CENACE Executive Director Max Molina.
This project supports the Growth in the Americas initiative.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for this USTDA-funded technical assistance 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 development 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: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357
Lagos, Nigeria – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency continued its 20 years of support for Nigeria’s telecommunications sector by funding two projects that will help deliver fast and reliable internet to thousands of Nigerian households using U.S. technological solutions.
“USTDA is committed to establishing a new era of inclusive, secure and sustainable connectivity in Nigeria through our focus on resilient digital infrastructure that will support the nation’s efforts to sustain its economy and provide critical public services during COVID-19 and other external challenges,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “It is especially notable that our Nigerian partners selected two U.S. small businesses to execute our assistance and design solutions for a world-class ICT infrastructure that is built to last.”
“These projects will support the development of Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure and help to achieve the goals of the National Broadband Plan,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard. “The U.S. Government has committed significant resources to improving telecoms infrastructure in Nigeria and this support is crucial as we believe that investment in critical ICT projects will strengthen the resiliency outlined in Nigeria’s economic sustainability plan.”
Specifically, USTDA committed funding for a feasibility study to help ipNX Nigeria Limited expand its fiberoptic network to more than 200,000 residences in Lagos and other locations, including Abuja and Port Harcourt. North Carolina-based CCG Consulting will perform the study.
“We appreciate the trust, confidence and support of USTDA to facilitate the design for this expansion. It will see us meet our strategic intent of being the bedrock of the Nigerian ICT ecosystem by providing solutions that help mankind thrive,” said ipNX Group Executive Director, Commercials Mrs. Bimpe Olaleye.
USTDA also committed funding for a study to help Aldreda Fields Ltd. develop aerially installed broadband networks to connect multiple neighborhoods across Lagos to broadband infrastructure. The study will be performed by New Jersey-based S2 Associates International LLC.
“Aldreda Fields is delighted to partner with USTDA in the development of a world class metro broadband and fiber infrastructure-as-a-service in Nigeria to deliver available, accessible and affordable high-speed connectivity for all,” said Aldreda Managing Director Adebisi Adebutu.
These two activities support Access Africa, a USTDA initiative to develop ICT across Africa, and Prosper Africa, a U.S. government initiative to substantially increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa. Since 1992, USTDA has funded more than 65 activities in Nigeria.
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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 development 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: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357
Amman, Jordan – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Kawar Energy for a feasibility study that will demonstrate how cloud-based American technology paired with battery storage solutions can strengthen the efficiency of Jordan’s solar power sector. This activity will produce the first demonstration of “virtual power plant” (VPP) technology in Jordan and significantly impact its renewable energy sector.
“This grant reflects USTDA’s ongoing commitment to the Jordanian power sector and our Agency’s direct support for energy diversification in Jordan,” said Todd J. Abrajano, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “We look forward to this VPP building on USTDA’s previous success with Kawar and giving the company greater access to cutting-edge U.S. technologies.”
The VPP is a cloud-based system that will enable Kawar to control, integrate and aggregate the output of all its solar power facilities across Jordan. Applying VPP technology with battery storage will also allow more effective management of electricity supply in response to fluctuations in consumption and deliver a more reliable source of clean energy. Massachusetts-based Enon Management LLC will execute the project feasibility study on Kawar’s behalf.
“This USTDA award demonstrates how both Jordan and the United States win when we partner on innovative projects. The initiative we are supporting with this award lays the foundation for Jordan to reduce solar energy management costs as it continues its leading regional role in energy production,” said Mike Hankey, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Amman.
“Kawar Energy is pleased to have reached this milestone and have the trust of USTDA. This feasibility study would replicate the effect of the study USTDA granted to develop Shams Ma’an 10 years ago and will be the cornerstone for Jordan’s next phase of the energy transition,” said Karim Kawar, Chairman Kawar Energy.
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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 development 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: Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357
