Two New Projects Will Support Turkey's Clean Energy Goals

(USTDA) USTDA Signs a Grant for Coal Bed Methane Development and Announces Smart Grid Reverse Trade Mission

TURKEY – Today, USTDA announced two activities to support Turkey's efforts to develop new sources of clean and efficient energy.

USTDA signed a grant with Hema Natural Energy Resources Company to evaluate the critical aspects of a combined coal bed methane (CBM) extraction and power generation project at Hema's coalfield. The $449,960 grant is expected to support over $150 million in new business opportunities in Turkey, as well as create 800 to 1,000 local jobs. Using technology for CBM extraction that is brand new to Turkey, the project will provide an additional source of power to meet the the country's increasing energy needs.

In further support of Turkey's clean energy goals, USTDA also announced a smart grid reverse trade mission (RTM) that will introduce 20 public and private Turkish officials to smart grid technology providers in the United States. Delegates will travel to the United States to gain exposure to advanced smart grid technology through site visits to U.S. utilities and meetings with leading ICT and power sector firms. The RTM is planned for spring 2012.

"Turkey's clean energy sector has enormous potential and plays an important role in Turkey's continued economic development and growth," stated USTDA Regional Director Carl B. Kress. "Both of these projects are exciting additions to USTDA's ongoing support of Turkey's efforts in this growing market."

These activities were announced during a U.S. Trade Mission to Turkey led by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Michael Camuñez, which consists of 16 U.S. companies exploring renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities in Turkey. The signing took place at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. USTDA Regional Director Carl B. Kress signed the agreement on behalf of USTDA. Mr. Yalcin Umurtak, Project Manager, signed on behalf of Hema Natural Energy Resources Company.

These investments in clean energy represent a continuation of USTDA's support of Turkey's significant efforts in this important sector. In 2009, USTDA signed a Memoradum of Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources that outlines cooperation in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean coal technology. Under this agreement, USTDA has previously provided grants supporting Turkish public and private sector projects in solar energy, smart grid, geothermal and energy efficiency.

Details for the smart grid reverse trade mission, and opportunities to get involved, will be provided on USTDA's website at http://www.ustda.gov/news/ . The opportunity to carry out the Coal Bed Methane Recovery and Utilization Feasibility Study will be competed on the Federal Business Opportunities website. Interested U.S. companies should visit www.ustda.gov/businessopps/index.asp.