SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Geothermal Development Associates received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Certificate at a presentation today at its office in Reno. Chuck Alvey, president/CEO for the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, presented the award, which recognizes businesses that have achieved significant success in the global marketplace and have also benefited from the programs and assistance of the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service.
GDA was recently awarded a multi-million dollar contract to help the Kenya Electric Generating Company (KenGen) develop a geothermal well field in that country.
Bill Cline, director of ITA’s Commercial Service office in Reno and team leader of the agency’s Global Environmental Team, said these types of export successes are excellent examples “of how innovative U.S. clean technologies are working to create a more sustainable world environment while supporting economic growth and jobs here at home. Through the National Export Initiative, President Obama is committed to expanding export opportunities, and its small and medium-sized businesses such as Geothermal Development Associates that are key to this effort. Thanks to this outstanding company for doing a job that is valuable to not only the Nevada economy, but the American economy as well.”
Founded in 1978 by Dr. Martin Booth and Dave Mendive, GDA offers a wide range of services for the development of geothermal resources including front-end feasibility studies, economic analyses, mechanical and electrical engineering, and resource-related technical support. The Reno-based company has conducted projects in the United States, East Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
In addition to its services side, GDA also manufactures geothermal power plant equipment and sources what it does not make from other American suppliers. Its installed power plants are virtually 100 percent USA content.
The U.S. Commercial Service and the Export Import Bank of the United States helped GDA with the Kenya project key areas, according to Steve Hirsch, vice president of business development for GDA. “GDA was assisted with Kenyan government contacts provided by the Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and with financing from the U.S. Export–‐Import Bank through World Trade Finance,” said Hirsch. “In addition to the direct benefit to the Reno economy, this single project also means work for the numerous suppliers to GDA located across the United States.”
“GDA is a perfect example of how our local geothermal expertise can take advantage of global business opportunities to further benefit our local and national economies and advance Greater Reno-Tahoe’s reputation as a center of geothermal excellence,” said Alvey.
About Geothermal Development Associates
Founded in 1978 by Dr. Martin Booth and Dave Mendive, Geothermal Development Associates offers a wide range of services for the development of geothermal resources including front-end feasibility studies, economic analyses, mechanical and electrical engineering, and resource-related technical support. The Reno-based company has conducted projects in the United States, East Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. In addition to its services side, GDA also manufactures geothermal power plant equipment and sources what it does not make from other American suppliers. Its installed power plants are virtually 100 percent USA content.
About U.S. Commercial Service Office
With offices in 109 U.S. cities and in nearly 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service helps U.S. companies succeed with their export sales and looks out for American business interests abroad. For more information visit the Commercial Service’s Reno U.S. Export Assistance Center at www.export.gov.
