Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Régie Autonome de Distribution d’Eau et d’Electricité de Marrakech (RADEEMA), Marrakech’s electricity and water utility, for a feasibility study to transform the power distribution infrastructure in Marrakech into a smart grid. The project is the first of its kind in Morocco and will serve as a model for other Moroccan cities. Washington, D.C.-based Africa Climate Solutions will perform the study.
“USTDA is partnering with RADEEMA and like-minded utilities around the globe to lay the foundation for a clean energy future,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Smart grids are an important component of USTDA’s climate-smart infrastructure portfolio. They improve power sector efficiency and facilitate the integration of renewable sources of power, including rooftop solar, into the grid. Our support for this activity reflects USTDA’s commitment to advancing smart and sustainable energy solutions in partnership with overseas partners and U.S. industry.”
USTDA’s study will define the technical, economic, and regulatory framework for the proposed project and develop an implementation plan to guide the deployment of smart grid infrastructure in Marrakech. The project will help reduce technical and non-technical losses and the frequency and duration of power outages in Marrakech and support the integration of renewable energy sources into its grid.
“We are honored to be the recipient of USTDA’s grant for the smart grid feasibility study. Thanks to this project, RADEEMA will contribute to achieving the objectives of our national energy strategy to integrate renewable energy while reducing losses on the network,” said Nadia el-Hilali, General Manager of RADEEMA.
“This project is a great example of the value that U.S. government expertise can bring by connecting American companies with Moroccan partners to further support Morocco’s ambitious clean energy goals,” said Lawrence M. Randolph, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Morocco. “We are pleased to support this project with our colleagues at USTDA.”
This activity supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which connects U.S. industry to major clean transport and energy infrastructure projects in emerging markets.
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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.
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