USTDA Awards Grants in the Renewable Energy and Transportation Sectors in Jordan
August 9, 2009
AMMAN – Acting Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Leocadia I. Zak and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) Suhair Al-Ali today signed two grants valued at $788,010 to further Jordanian priorities in the renewable energy and transportation sectors.
The first grant in the amount of $370,000 will fund the cost of goods and services required for technical assistance for the Jordanian Electrical System. The grant is designed to support Jordan’s goal of incorporating renewable energy into its electric power grid.
The second grant in the amount of $418,010 will fund the cost of goods and services for a feasibility study for the proposed Vessel Traffic Service and Integrated Port Community Information System Services at the Port of Aqaba. This grant is designed to promote trade by tracking vessel movements and enhancing navigational safety in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Additionally, Acting Director Zak announced that USTDA is working with International for Energy Technology Industries (also known as Millennium Energy Industries) towards a feasibility study for a proposed Concentrated Solar Power project in the Ma’an Development Area in Jordan, using the technology of U.S.-based eSolar, Inc. The implementation of the facility would further Jordan’s goal of increasing its use of clean and renewable sources of energy and decreasing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
At the signing ceremony, Acting Director Zak said: “With these grants and upcoming events, USTDA is pleased to further efforts to develop renewable energy resources and transportation infrastructure in the Middle East as a foundation for economic growth. We have seen considerable success from our partnerships with other strong project sponsors in Jordan and we look forward to similar results from our actions today.” Zak also pointed out that this year, the United States and Jordan are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic and development ties.
The two grant agreements were signed by Minister Al-Ali on behalf of the Jordanian government and Acting Director Zak on behalf of the U.S. government. Chargé d’Affaires Lawrence Mandel from the U.S. Embassy in Amman signed both agreements as a witness.
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