U.S. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                  MEDIA INQUIRIES:

                                                                                        Donna Thiessen

                                                                                        (703) 875-4357

 

USTDA SIGNS GRANTS AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AT U.S.-CHINA JOINT COMMISSION ON COMMERCE AND TRADE

 

HANGZHOU, CHINA (October 29, 2009) – Today, USTDA awarded two grants and signed a Memorandum of Understanding which continue the agency’s support for investing in innovative clean energy technologies and aviation sector in China. These activities further the proactive goals of the Administration by promoting the use of Carbon Limiting Improvement Process (CLIP) technologies and establishing the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program.  USTDA also awarded a grant that will advance China’s domestic aviation sector by providing technical assistance to analyze runway alignment as part of an overall plan to develop a second airport in Beijing.  Both grants and the Memorandum of Understanding were signed during a ceremony held at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade. 

To further demonstrate a commitment to working together as partners on important energy and environment issues, including the work associated with the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the establishment of the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP).  The ECP will focus on commercialization of clean energy solutions and is designed to leverage private sector resources for project development work, while at the same time advancing U.S. commercial interests in China.  This partnership will provide a vehicle for U.S. companies interested in the China market to collectively work together to advance their commercial interests in a manner that will also advance the interests of China and combat global climate change.  The agreement was signed by USTDA Acting Director Zak and Vice Minister Ma on behalf of the U.S. and Chinese governments respectively and witnessed by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Locke and China’s Vice Premier Wang. 

“We are pleased that the Chinese have agreed to joint cooperation in initiating clean-energy projects with the United States in an effort to combat global climate change.  The Carbon Limiting and Improvement Process project and the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program directly support these efforts, as well as build on USTDA’s successful work in the clean energy sector in China,” said Zak at today’s signings.

In support of this initiative, USTDA awarded a $453,000 grant to the Shanghai Electric Power Company Limited (SEP) that will evaluate installation of Carbon Limiting Improvement Process (CLIP) technology in coal-fired power plants.  The feasibility study will provide the technical basis for a pilot project in Chinese power plants, which will enable carbon emission reductions of up to 7.5 million tons per year. The grant was signed by USTDA Acting Director Zak and Chairman Zhou on behalf of the U.S. government and the Shanghai Electric Power Company Limited.

Shanghai Electric Power Company Ltd. has selected C-Lock Technology, Inc., based in Arlington, Virginia, to perform the feasibility study for this project. In addition to the USTDA grant awarded today, C-Lock will contribute resources toward the study’s completion.

Separately, USTDA awarded a $700,652 grant to the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) to develop a plan for the new Beijing Second Airport.  In direct response to the recent and projected strong growth in China’s air travel market, the project will analyze the proposed runway alignments to determine capacity and operational limitations.  The technical assistance will also identify key orientation, geometry, and other airspace management issues at the Beijing Second Airport that will help minimize environmental impacts while maximizing traffic flow to the new airport.  The grant was signed by USTDA Acting Director Zak and Deputy Administrator Wang of the CAAC.

The CAAC has selected the American Chamber of Commerce in China Fund (Amcham) to perform the technical assistance for this project. The U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program, under Amcham, will manage the project and contribute resources toward its completion.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair, open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

 

 

-30-

Visit USTDA’s Website at www.ustda.gov