Washington, DC – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a grant to the Dominican Republic’s Grupo Energético del Este (GEDE) that will help to meet the country’s increasing demand for energy generation and waste disposal solutions. USTDA’s investment will fund a feasibility study to comprehensively evaluate the development of a 26-megawatt biomass and waste-to-energy plant near Punta Cana using American technological solutions.

“This USTDA engagement is an excellent example of how we are leading the vital work of energy diversification for one of our most important partners in the Western Hemisphere,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “This should serve as a model throughout the region and among other island nations seeking to diversify their energy use.”

GEDE selected Florida-based Global Energy Solutions to execute the study, which will create export opportunities for U.S. companies for biomass and waste-to-energy systems, equipment and services.

“We are committed to developing fully renewable waste-to-energy solutions with the support of GES and USTDA, which will contribute to environmental stability in the Dominican Republic,” said Oscar Villanueva, the General Director of GEDE. “The importance of such an initiative for our communities is the transformational impact on the environment, on the economy, and the cultural model that we, as a country, will proudly exhibit.”

USTDA’s partnership with the Dominican Republic dates back to the Agency’s founding in 1992, and the country currently represents the Agency’s largest portfolio in the Caribbean.

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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