The United States government is working with the government of Jordan to help give Jordan better access to renewable energy and upgrade its maritime transportation system. Acting Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency or USTDA Leocadia Zak and Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali this month 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 $37,000 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 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., a solar energy technology company. 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 August 9th, Acting Director Zak said: "With these grants and upcoming events, USTDA is pleased to further efforts to help 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."
Acting Director Zak also pointed out that this year the United States and Jordan are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic and development ties.
The United States is committed to working with its partner Jordan in the development and use of clean and renewable energy and safer and more efficient transportation systems.
