Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Eurasia

Following a decade of bringing new power plants online to meet its growing demands for electricity, the nation of Turkey now has the fourth-largest geothermal power capacity in the world. Throughout these significant infrastructure developments, USTDA has served as a trusted partner with a clear record of accomplishment delivering sought-after American geothermal solutions.

USTDA’s latest success is a partnership with the Turkish independent power producer Zorlu Enerji. This cooperation led directly to the development of the Alaşehir Geothermal Power Plant in the city of Manisa, which is located in Turkey’s western Aegean region. Utilizing USTDA funding for a new feasibility study, Zorlu obtained the technical, economic and financial evaluations necessary to secure project financing. In 2016, it was connected to the national grid and now generates 45 megawatts of clean power for nearly 170,000 homes.

Built with technology from 12 U.S. companies representing seven states, the Alaşehir Geothermal Power Plant replicates a strategy USTDA adopted in Turkey’s geothermal sector when the Agency financed a study that led to the completion of the Germencik power plant in 2009. At that time, Germencik was Turkey’s largest geothermal power plant, with a capacity of 47.4 megawatts using technology sourced from 17 U.S. companies across 10 states.

Ali Kindap, General Manager, Investments, Operations and Maintenance at Zorlu Energy Group, said: “The Alaşehir feasibility study, funded by USTDA, provided an innovative and cost-effective solution. The unique design and efficient technology supported Zorlu’s vast experience to develop the Alaşehir Geothermal Power Plant, which received an ‘Engineering Excellence’ award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho.”

Recognizing the significance of this success, USTDA Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency Todd Abrajano concluded: “Our work in Turkey’s geothermal power sector is having a generational impact. Harnessing innovative U.S. solutions, the Alaşehir and Germencik projects continue to expand renewable energy capacity in Turkey and represent a long-lasting partnership.”

Photograph courtesy of Zorlu Energy

Morocco’s agricultural sector accounts for almost 15 percent of its gross domestic product and employs nearly half of the country’s workforce. To increase production and reduce losses due to spoilage, USTDA partnered with Morocco’s agriculture leaders on a series of assistance activities that strengthened the agriculture sector through the deployment of more efficient cold chain systems that has enhanced the value of local agricultural products.

USTDA’s assistance to Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Fishing identified cold storage infrastructure to help reduce date palm production losses, leading to investment in an eight-site network of treatment and refrigeration equipment units. The units have specifically decreased palm date spoilage, created new job opportunities and produced effective staff training in processing and handling procedures.

USTDA’s assistance for Morocco’s National Board of Fisheries also helped improve the country’s cold chain storage system for fish production, facilitating the transportation of fresh products to inland consumers. Following the implementation of USTDA’s assistance, Moroccan stakeholders invested in nine cold warehouses and 17 ice facilities in 18 different villages, thereby improving food quality and reducing incidences of foodborne illnesses.

USTDA Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy describes the Agency’s technical assistance and international impact this way: “Our work in Morocco helped develop the framework for a new and highly efficient cold chain infrastructure. This success demonstrates that we are on the right track as we continue to explore global opportunities for collaboration and showcase the best of U.S. private sector solutions.”

In 2009, Jordan launched its first E-Health initiative “Hakeem”, which sought to automate the public healthcare sector through the utilization of modern IT solutions. What started as a pilot project at three clinics in 2009, grew with USTDA assistance into a nationwide program that now manages over six million registered electronic patient records using American technology to improve patient care.

Faced with the challenge of a nationwide rollout, Jordan turned to USTDA for assistance. The Agency responded by funding a feasibility study that helped guide the process for installing electronic health records systems in 190 facilities, including hospitals, comprehensive clinics and primary care clinics.

USTDA’s investment has helped to enhance the effectiveness and quality of healthcare management systems, created patient-oriented records and reduced the cost of delivering health services across Jordan. The resulting computerization is also geared to streamline physician evaluation of patients and improve health outcomes.

More than 350 health professionals have been trained on the program. As the Hakeem initiative continues to be implemented across Jordan, more patient records will be computerized and additional health professionals will receive training. This has resulted in consulting services and new technology provided by 23 U.S. companies in 11 states: California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

USTDA Acting Director Thomas Hardy concludes that “USTDA’s work in Jordan is filling a critical need in connecting medical professionals and patients to modernized health care solutions. As more countries look to invest in their healthcare sector, USTDA will continue connecting U.S. industry and their high-quality technology solutions that can replicate this success.”