The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) sponsored a two-day workshop February 12-13, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey to foster U.S. – Turkey partnerships for state-of-the-art electricity transmission and distribution projects throughout Turkey. The event highlighted smart grid projects and initiatives, U.S. smart grid technologies, and the regulatory frameworks, standards, and financing mechanisms available to support them. Participating delegates represented public and private sector stakeholders responsible for the
future development of the Turkish power sector, allowing for U.S. companies providing equipment and services to the power sector to learn about upcoming opportunities in Turkey and connect with the senior decision makers.
Speaking at the workshop, U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone stated that “by advancing with a Smart Grid in Turkey we will accomplish many things together. Not only boosting our trade and investment in both directions, but boosting employment in Turkey, hopefully boosting trade in both directions between our two countries which means jobs in America as well.”
Ricciardone also stated that “we look to Turkey as a strategic energy bridge to Iraq. We see that sector opening. We are very optimistic that Turkey will not only find new alternatives for its energy supplies, but will serve as a major transit country as well.”
You can find Ambassador Ricciardone’s full speech here.