Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a feasibility study grant to the Sofia Municipality that will support the delivery of energy efficient heating services to Sofia’s one million residents. USTDA’s assistance will develop a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade and refurbish the infrastructure of Sofia’s district heating company, Toplofikacia. The Sofia Municipality selected Kansas-based Black & Veatch Management Consulting to carry out the study.
“President Biden recently stated that nations that work together to invest in the cleaner economy will reap rewards for their citizens,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Acting Director. “Our partnership with the Sofia Municipality is a perfect example of this, as it will support sustainable, climate-smart infrastructure that will serve the heating and energy needs of Sofia’s citizens for decades to come. USTDA’s engagement will also create export opportunities for American suppliers to provide technologies that will help considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
USTDA’s grant will assist the Sofia Municipality in enhancing Toplofikacia’s operations, infrastructure, and financial condition through the development of a roadmap for phased upgrades to its district heating plants. The project is expected to play a critical role in increasing Toplofikacia’s energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova, noted: “the Municipality expresses gratitude to USTDA and the U.S. Embassy for their support in modernizing Toplofikacia. This grant will help restore confidence in Toplofikacia and ensure cleaner air in Sofia.”
U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, Herro Mustafa said: “The U.S. Mission to Bulgaria is proud to partner with the Municipality of Sofia as they transform their energy infrastructure. This partnership builds on our bilateral energy cooperation and secures quality heating services for the people of Sofia.”
This project advances USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which connects U.S. industry to major clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects in emerging markets.
Since 1992, USTDA has supported more than 50 projects in Bulgaria.
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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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