GEA has confirmed attendance from government and industry leaders representing 25 countries

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17, 2012)— Next week, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) will co-host the International Geothermal Energy Showcase with influential U.S. Government agencies including the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). In addition to supporting the event as co-hosts, all three agencies will also participate in discussions during the day's event.

"Recent geothermal industry growth can be attributed in part to the work of USTDA, USAID and EXIM, who have supported this homegrown industry as U.S.-based companies export their products and services to markets across the globe," said Karl Gawell, executive director, GEA. "We are honored to work with these supporting agencies, without whom, an international geothermal industry of this scale would not be possible."

All three of these agencies work to enhance geothermal development internationally by providing economic and developmental support for geothermal projects. USTDA sponsors reverse trade missions and provides grants to private and public sector organizations in emerging markets to conduct feasibility studies and technical assistance as part of overall geothermal project planning. It counts Turkey and Indonesia as two of its most recent markets of operation, both of which will be represented by speakers at the showcase. The USTDA will be represented by Pinsuda Alexander, country manager-South and Southeast Asia Region, on a panel discussion regarding geothermal development in Asia and the Pacific.

"USTDA is pleased to join our partners across the U.S. Government and industry to support the International Geothermal Energy Showcase and draw attention to this important sector," said Leocadia Zak, director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency. "This collaborative effort underscores the U.S. commitment to developing clean energy alternatives and combating climate change."

USAID is currently working alongside partners in East Africa to attract private sector investment in geothermal energy. USAID Africa Infrastructure Program Director Jeff Humber will moderate panels on geothermal development in East Africa. The event program also includes speakers from a number of East African countries, including Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia. Humber remarked: "USAID is excited to partner with the Geothermal Energy Association on the International Geothermal Showcase. As the lead U.S. agency in emerging market development, USAID always strives to provide innovative solutions to development challenges. Whereas Africa has low electricity access rates both in its cities and in rural communities, and those with access to electricity often rely on small oil-fired generators which are always subject to increasing oil prices, geothermal energy provides a much cleaner and more sustainable source of electricity to countries in the Rift Valley region."

EXIM provides cost-effective financing for geothermal energy exports as the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM's Craig O'Connor, director, Office of Renewable Energy and Environmental Exports, will speak on a panel about overall geothermal development in the United States and abroad.

The showcase, to be held May 23 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., will highlight geothermal projects, policies and development from the world's key geothermal markets including the Caribbean, Latin America, East Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The program will encourage interaction and discussion about government policies, projects in development, market potential and opportunities for U.S. companies. Attendees will also hear from U.S. Government agencies involved in export assistance for geothermal companies, and from U.S. companies developing projects overseas.

GEA has confirmed attendance from government and industry leaders representing 25 countries. These countries include Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nevis, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United States.

Join the conversation on Twitter by following GEA at @geoenergist and event tag #GEAIntlShowcase.

To register for the International Geothermal Energy Showcase, or for more information, please visit http://geo-energy.org/events/GEA_ShowCase_05_23_12.aspx.

To request press credentials, please contact Shawna Seldon, The Rosen Group, 212 255 7541 or Shawna@rosengrouppr.com.

About the Geothermal Energy Association:

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/.