FACT SHEET
USTDA & Blue Solar Grant Signing Ceremony
August 14, 2019
Blue Solar Project:
- A USTDA grant is funding a feasibility study for the Thai energy developer Blue Solar Co., Ltd. (“Blue Solar”) to support the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) project with an integrated energy storage system located in Suphan Buri Province, Thailand
- The feasibility study will assess the technical, financial, and other key elements of the project and provide the necessary analysis, designs, and documentation required for financing and implementation. The study will also help Blue Solar to evaluate U.S. solar and energy storage technology options for the project.
- Blue Solar’s project is one of 17 renewable energy projects selected by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to advance under Thailand’s 2017 Small Power Producer Hybrid Firm Power Purchasing Agreement Program.
- Implementation of the project will support Thailand’s goals to further increase investment in the country’s energy sector and help to meet growing power demand and sustainability targets through the addition of new renewable energy capacity.
- The project represents one of the first private sector deployments of utility-scale battery storage in Thailand. Implementation of the project will help to catalyze the market for energy storage technology in the region by serving as an important reference case for integrating intermittent renewable power with storage to deliver reliable and affordable power.
Supporting Asia EDGE:
- This project supports objectives of the U.S. Government’s Asia EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth Through Energy) initiative, a U.S. whole-of-government effort to foster sustainable and secure energy markets throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
- USTDA’s project preparation tools drive the implementation of quality energy infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on resource development, refineries, power generation, distribution, energy efficiency, energy storage, utility modernization and digitization.
USTDA in Thailand:
- Since 1992, USTDA has completed more than 80 project preparation grants and reverse trade mission activities for Thailand.
- In Thailand, USTDA has provided extensive support for infrastructure development in areas including: banking IT systems; disaster warning and management; airport design and security assessments; air navigation systems; power generation and distribution; waste and wastewater management; natural gas vehicle and liquefied natural gas operations; and rail sector modernization.
- USTDA’s regional office located at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok supports the agency’s business development and program implementation across the Asia Pacific region.
USTDA Support for the Indo-Pacific Business Forum:
- USTDA is supporting the Second Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) that will be held following the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on November 4, 2019 in Bangkok.
- The 2nd IPBF event is a joint effort among the U.S. Government; The Royal Thai Government; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the Thai Chamber of Commerce; the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council; and the Board of Trade of Thailand.
- With Thailand’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019, the IPBF will provide a unique opportunity to network with business and government leaders from across the region.
About USTDA
- The S. Trade and Development Agency connects America’s private sector to infrastructure project opportunities in emerging markets. USTDA approaches its mission by funding feasibility studies, technical assistance and pilot projects that integrate the expertise of American companies. USTDA supports infrastructure projects and procurement planning at the critical early stages when the technology options and requirements are being defined. The Agency also connects overseas project sponsors with U.S. technology and service providers through its reverse trade missions, industry conferences and workshops.
- USTDA’s tools include:
- Feasibility Studies and Technical Assistance Grants: USTDA provides grants to fund feasibility studies, technical assistance, and other project planning activities that provide the comprehensive analysis required for infrastructure and systems investments to move from the concept stage to the financing and implementation stage.
- Pilot Project Grants: USTDA provides grants to fund pilot projects in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of U.S. technology solutions and provide the analysis, evaluation and empirical data needed to secure implementation funding.
- Reverse Trade Missions: USTDA-sponsored Reverse Trade Missions and orientation visits bring key decision makers and project developers from overseas to the United States to learn more about U.S. technology and service providers, financiers, policy and regulatory frameworks, and other resources that can support the deployment of new infrastructure.
