U.S. Renewable Energy Trade Mission Philippines and Thailand, Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand, September 17-20, 2012, 40329-40332 [2012-16595]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2012 / Notices • Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the mission goals. • Applicant’s potential for business in Indonesia and Vietnam. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. (Additional factors, such as diversity of company, size, type and location, may be considered during the selection process.) Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and will not be considered during the selection process. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Disclaimer, Security, and Transportation Business development mission members participate in the mission and undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to obtain insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. 16:20 Jul 06, 2012 Jkt 226001 U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact Ms. Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC, Tel: 202–482– 2026, indoviet2012@trade.gov. Contact CS Jakarta Mr. Jesse Lapierre, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, Jakarta, U.S. Commercial Center, Tel: 62–21 526– 2850, Jesse.lapierre@trade.gov. Contact CS Hanoi Ms. Sarah Kemp, Senior Commercial Officer—Hanoi, U.S. Embassy Hanoi, Tel: 84–4–3850–5000, Ext. 5070S, Sarah.Kemp@trade.gov. Contact CS HCMC Mr. Frank Joseph, Commercial Officer—Ho Chi Minh City, Frank. Joseph@trade.gov. Elnora Moye, Trade Program Assistant. [FR Doc. 2012–16728 Filed 7–6–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions calendar—https://export.gov/ trademissions/—and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association newsletters, direct outreach to the Department’s clients and distribution lists, publication in the Federal Register, and announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than August 31, 2012, by the close of business. Applications received after August 31, 2012, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Applications will be vetted on a rolling basis starting July 5, 2012. VerDate Mar<15>2010 For More Information and an Application Packet Contact International Trade Administration U.S. Renewable Energy Trade Mission Philippines and Thailand, Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand, September 17–20, 2012 International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s (ITA) U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS), in conjunction with USFCS staff in Manila and USFCS staff in Bangkok is organizing a Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand, September 17–20, 2012. The Renewable Energy Trade Mission will offer U.S. companies a timely and cost-effective way to engage with key stakeholders, government officials and potential partners in an effort to enter the promising Philippines and Thailand markets. Target sectors for potential U.S. exports include: • Biomass/Waste-to-Energy/Biogas. • Geothermal. • Hydropower. • Wind power. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40329 • Solar power. Both Thailand and the Philippines rank high on ITA’s Renewable Energy Best Prospects Study which identifies those markets with good potential for U.S. exports of renewable energy goods and services. By targeting these markets, the Renewable Energy Trade Mission will not only advance the President’s National Export Initiative and his goal of positioning the U.S. as the leading exporter of renewable energy technology, it will also support the ITA Energy Team, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative’s (RE4I) goals by promoting export opportunities for U.S. companies active in the renewable sector. With a focus on connecting U.S. companies with key players and decision makers in the Philippines and Thailand, this mission will provide critical market information and access to help participants establish the necessary public and private sector contacts to thrive. The five-day mission will include meetings with high-level national government officials, one-onone meetings with potential partners and industry leaders, briefings on the Philippine and Thailand markets, site visits, and additional meetings with members of the Asia Development Bank. The delegation will be comprised of at least 10 U.S. firms and a maximum of 20, representing a cross-section of U.S. industries that have developed products and services for the renewable energy industry. Commercial Setting As Thailand imports over half of its energy supply, in order to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, the Government of Thailand has set a sustainable, renewable energy development plan to increase alternative energy consumption to 25% by 2022. With abundant natural resources, the Philippines also intends to increase renewable energy (RE) production through the National Renewable Energy (RE) Program to 15,304 MW by the year 2030 from 5,438 MW in 2010. With each country looking to reach its respective renewable energy goals, U.S. suppliers and manufacturers are in an excellent position to capitalize on these growing markets. Philippine Market Breakdown With abundant renewable energy resources, the Philippines is already considered a world leader in renewable energy. One third of its total electric power needs are met through resources such as solar, wind energy, hydro and biomass resources. Total installed capacity of the Philippines’ power E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 40330 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2012 / Notices sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES generating plants is recorded at 15,937 MW. Currently, 26% and 23% of power generation is by coal-fired and oil-based power plants, respectively; however, renewable sources contribute as well, with hydro and geothermal accounting for 21%, and 12% respectively. Wind and solar-based sources are also expected to increase their 1% share as well. The National Renewable Energy Program 2011–2013, launched by the Department of Energy, has plans to increase renewable energy based power capacity to as much as 15,300 MW by 2030 from 5,438 MW in 2010. Market Demand According to the World Fact book, energy use per capita was 423.57 KG for 2009 with 39.57% being Energy Imports. The Philippines Renewable Energy Act of 2008 provides the following benefits to developers of renewable energy: • Seven year income tax holiday. • Carbon credits generated from renewable energy sources will be free from taxes. A 10% corporate income tax, as against the regular 30%, is also provided once the income tax holiday expires. • Promoting energy self-sufficiency to 60% by 2010 from 56.6% in 2005, by using resources like solar, wind, hydropower, ocean and biomass energy. • Renewable energy facilities will also be given a 1.5% realty tax cap on original cost of equipment and facilities to produce renewable energy. • The bill also prioritizes the purchase, grid connection and transmission of electricity generated by companies from renewable energy sources. • Power generated from renewable energy sources will be value added tax exempt. • A net metering scheme will give capable consumers the option to generate their own power. Net metering will allow renewable energy producers to earn from the power they contribute to the grid, and are also charged for electricity drawn from the grid Hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass account for nearly 39%of the Philippines’ energy requirements. The United States Department of Energy has assessed the country’s total wind potential at 76,000 MW (across an 11,000 sq km area). Other estimates of renewable energy potential include: 147 MW from hydro applications in Visayas Islands; 4.41 GW from geothermal energy; an annual potential average of 5.0–5.1 kWh/m2/day from solar power, and 1.78 GW from mini-hydro plants from 888 sites. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:20 Jul 06, 2012 Jkt 226001 Thailand Market Breakdown Thailand has set a sustainable energy plan to address the country’s short and long-term supply and demand issues, and to secure Thailand’s future energy sufficiency. Renewable Energy makes up 4.7% of Thailand’s energy usage. In order to ensure energy security, the Thai government has encouraged the development of alternative and renewable energy. According to the (2012–2021) renewable energy development plan, the Ministry of Energy aims to increase the proportion of alternative energy from 4.7% up to 25 percent of the total energy consumption by 2021. The plan represents 9,208 MW of renewable electricity generation as well. The Thai government anticipates private and public investment over this time period to be U.S. $14.6 billion. Thailand still relies a great deal on imported technologies and expertise. Areas of opportunities for American companies are mainly biogas, biomass, solar, and waste-to-energy. Market Demand After Indonesia, Thailand is the second largest energy consumer in Southeast Asia. Thailand imports over half of its energy supply. Although 81% of energy demand is supplied by natural gas and crude oil, renewable energies and alternative energies will play a greater role in power generation for Thailand. To encourage more renewable energy projects, the government has put in place various support schemes. The government initiated the ‘‘adder tariff’’ or a special rate that state utilities pay for power from renewable sources. Renewable energy is regarded as a priority activity by the Board of Investment. Promoted projects will obtain an 8-year corporate income tax holiday and an extra 5 years of 50 percent tax reduction. Projects are also exempted from the import duty for machinery. Low interest loans are also offered for certain projects. The maximum amount granted is 50 million Thai baht (USD $1.5 million). Best Prospects U.S. manufacturers are considered competitive on quality, efficiency and after-sale support, and may want to concentrate their marketing efforts on the larger project developers and owners who have the financial resources to ‘‘do the job right.’’ Below are a few types of equipment where quality and efficiency are important: • Inverters for solar PV power projects. • Wind turbines and blades. • Gas engines for syngas and biogas. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Small gas turbines for syngas and biogas. • Gas filtration and cleaning equipment for syngas and biogas. • Control and monitoring systems/ automation. • Emissions control equipment. • Heat exchangers and heat recovery boilers for cogeneration or trigeneration. • New technologies from the U.S. such as plasma gasification for municipal waste. In addition, opportunities may exist for engineering service providers, particularly for larger-scale solar and other projects where there is not as yet much local experience. Also, there is no local expertise in effectively integrating distributed and small-scale generation of multiple renewable energy generation providers into the overall power system. Mission Goals The mission will help U.S. companies increase their export potential to the Southeast Asian region by identifying project and sales distribution opportunities in the Philippine and Thailand renewable energy market. As such, the mission will focus on helping U.S. companies gain market intelligence, create government and business relationships, identify specific projects, and learn about financing tools offered by the Asia Development Bank, as well as have discussions regarding additional financing tools offered by the Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Trade & Development Agency as well as the Small Business Administration. The mission’s goals include: • Facilitating briefings, meetings and exposure to government officials in Thailand and the Philippines, private sector contacts, as well as potential incountry partners; • Promoting the U.S. renewable energy industry by connecting delegates of U.S. renewable companies with partners, government entities and financing opportunities; • Helping companies receive valuable exposure to the rapidly growing, and important, renewable energy market in each country; and • Assisting U.S. businesses increase their international reach, thus, resulting in a greater capacity to increase jobs at home to keep up with demand, thereby furthering the goals of President Obama’s National Export Initiative. Mission Scenario Participants will attend country briefings, meet with government officials, have specialized one-on-one meetings with in-country partners, E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2012 / Notices participate in meetings with local utilities, and be briefed on the programs and opportunities with the Asia Development Bank. The precise agenda will depend upon the availability of local government and private sector officials, as well as on the specific goals and makeup of the mission participants. Mission Timetable Monday, September 17, 2012—Bangkok, Thailand Morning —Country briefing by U.S. Embassy staff on programs and opportunities in the Thailand renewable energy sector. —Meetings with Thailand government officials to discuss market potential and opportunities for U.S. companies. —Briefing and meetings with Thai utility to discuss business opportunities and regulations. Afternoon —Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with potential partners and government officials to discuss market opportunities. Tuesday, September 18, 2012— Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, Philippines —One-on-one follow-up meetings if necessary. —Depart for Manila, Philippines Wednesday, September 19, 2012— Manila, Philippines —Country briefing by U.S. Embassy staff on programs and opportunities in the Philippine renewable energy sector. —Meetings with Philippine government officials to discuss market potential and opportunities for U.S. companies. —Briefing and meetings with officials from the Asia Development Bank to discuss programs for U.S. companies. —Potential meetings with Philippine utility groups. —Potential site visit. Thursday, September 20, 2012—Manila, Philippines —Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with potential partners and government officials to discuss market opportunities. —Potential site visit. Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated, on a rolling basis, on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. Fees and Expenses After a company or organization has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Trade Mission will be $2,130.00 for a small or medium-sized firm (SME),1 and $3,835.00 for large firms. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $850.00. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms. Exclusions The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such as lodging, most meals, some local ground transportation and air transportation from the U.S. to the mission sites and return to the United States. Business visas may be required. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such visas are also not included in the mission costs. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary business visas. Conditions for Participation An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the Department of 40331 Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the applications. Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished product or service. Selection Criteria for Participation • Suitability of the company’s products or services to the market. • Applicant’s potential for business in Philippines and Thailand, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. Timeline for Recruitment and Applications Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (https://export.gov/ trademissions) and other Internet web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than July 13, 2012. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis beginning in June 2012. Applications received after July 13, 2012 will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES CONTACT Ryan Hollowell, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Kornluck Tantisaeree, Energy Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1 An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations (see https:// www.sba.gov/services/contracting opportunities/ VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:20 Jul 06, 2012 Jkt 226001 sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 became effective May 1, 2008 (see https:// www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/ initiatives.html for additional information). E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 40332 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2012 / Notices CONTACT—Continued New York USEAC, 33 Whitehall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY, Tel: 212–809–2678, Email: Ryan.Hollowell@trade.gov. U.S. Embassy—Bangkok, Thailand, Tel: 662–205–5242, Email: Kornluck.Tantisaeree@trade.gov. Thess Sula, Energy Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Embassy—Manila, Philippines, Tel: (632) 844–3393, Email: Thess.Sula@trade.gov. Frank Spector, Senior International Trade Specialist. [FR Doc. 2012–16595 Filed 7–6–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Advisory Committees National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites and requests nomination of individuals for appointment to eight existing Federal Advisory Committees: Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board, Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board, National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee, Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction, NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee, and Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. NIST will consider nominations received in response to this notice for appointment to the Committees, in addition to nominations already received. Registered Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST Federal Advisory Committees. DATES: Nominations for all committees will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise. ADDRESSES: See below. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Committee Information The Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Board) was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3711a(d)(2)(B), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Addresses: Please submit nominations to Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige Membership 1. The Board will consist of approximately eleven members selected on a clear, standardized basis, in SUMMARY: sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Performance Excellence Program, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–1020. Nominations may also be submitted via fax to 301–975–4967. Additional information regarding the Committee, including its charter, current membership list, and executive summary, may be found at: https:// www.nist.gov/baldrige/community/ overseers.cfm. For Further Information Contact: Harry Hertz, Director, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program and Designated Federal Officer, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–1020; telephone 301–975–2361; fax 301–975– 4967; or via email at harry.hertz@nist.gov. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:20 Jul 06, 2012 Jkt 226001 Objectives and Duties 1. The Board shall review the work of the private sector contractor(s), which assists the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in administering the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Award). The Board will make such suggestions for the improvement of the Award process as it deems necessary. 2. The Board shall make an annual report on the results of Award activities to the Director of NIST, along with its recommendations for the improvement of the Award process. 3. The Board will function solely as an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 4. The Board will report to the Director of NIST. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidance, and for their preeminence in the field of organizational performance excellence. There will be a balanced representation from U.S. service and manufacturing industries as well as from education, health care, and nonprofit. The Board will include members familiar with the quality improvement operations and competitiveness issues of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, health care providers, and educational institutions. Members will also be chosen who have broad experience in for-profit and nonprofit areas. 2. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for threeyear terms and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. All terms will commence on March 1 and end on February 28 of the appropriate year. Miscellaneous 1. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but may, upon request, be reimbursed travel expenses, including per diem, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5701 et seq. 2. The Board will meet annually, except that additional meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the NIST Director or by the Chairperson. Meetings are usually one day in duration. Historically, the Board has met twice per year. 3. Board meetings are open to the public. Board members do not have access to classified or proprietary information in connection with their Board duties. Nomination Information 1. Nominations are sought from the private and public sector as described above. 2. Nominees should have established records of distinguished service and shall be familiar with the quality improvement operations of manufacturing companies, service companies, small businesses, educational institutions, health care providers, and nonprofits. The category (field of eminence) for which the E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40329-40332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16595]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


U.S. Renewable Energy Trade Mission Philippines and Thailand, 
Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand, September 17-20, 2012

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce International Trade 
Administration's (ITA) U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS), in 
conjunction with USFCS staff in Manila and USFCS staff in Bangkok is 
organizing a Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Manila, Philippines and 
Bangkok, Thailand, September 17-20, 2012.
    The Renewable Energy Trade Mission will offer U.S. companies a 
timely and cost-effective way to engage with key stakeholders, 
government officials and potential partners in an effort to enter the 
promising Philippines and Thailand markets. Target sectors for 
potential U.S. exports include:
     Biomass/Waste-to-Energy/Biogas.
     Geothermal.
     Hydropower.
     Wind power.
     Solar power.
    Both Thailand and the Philippines rank high on ITA's Renewable 
Energy Best Prospects Study which identifies those markets with good 
potential for U.S. exports of renewable energy goods and services. By 
targeting these markets, the Renewable Energy Trade Mission will not 
only advance the President's National Export Initiative and his goal of 
positioning the U.S. as the leading exporter of renewable energy 
technology, it will also support the ITA Energy Team, and the Renewable 
Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative's (RE4I) goals by 
promoting export opportunities for U.S. companies active in the 
renewable sector. With a focus on connecting U.S. companies with key 
players and decision makers in the Philippines and Thailand, this 
mission will provide critical market information and access to help 
participants establish the necessary public and private sector contacts 
to thrive. The five-day mission will include meetings with high-level 
national government officials, one-on-one meetings with potential 
partners and industry leaders, briefings on the Philippine and Thailand 
markets, site visits, and additional meetings with members of the Asia 
Development Bank.
    The delegation will be comprised of at least 10 U.S. firms and a 
maximum of 20, representing a cross-section of U.S. industries that 
have developed products and services for the renewable energy industry.

Commercial Setting

    As Thailand imports over half of its energy supply, in order to 
reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, the Government of Thailand 
has set a sustainable, renewable energy development plan to increase 
alternative energy consumption to 25% by 2022. With abundant natural 
resources, the Philippines also intends to increase renewable energy 
(RE) production through the National Renewable Energy (RE) Program to 
15,304 MW by the year 2030 from 5,438 MW in 2010. With each country 
looking to reach its respective renewable energy goals, U.S. suppliers 
and manufacturers are in an excellent position to capitalize on these 
growing markets.

Philippine Market Breakdown

    With abundant renewable energy resources, the Philippines is 
already considered a world leader in renewable energy. One third of its 
total electric power needs are met through resources such as solar, 
wind energy, hydro and biomass resources. Total installed capacity of 
the Philippines' power

[[Page 40330]]

generating plants is recorded at 15,937 MW.
    Currently, 26% and 23% of power generation is by coal-fired and 
oil-based power plants, respectively; however, renewable sources 
contribute as well, with hydro and geothermal accounting for 21%, and 
12% respectively. Wind and solar-based sources are also expected to 
increase their 1% share as well. The National Renewable Energy Program 
2011-2013, launched by the Department of Energy, has plans to increase 
renewable energy based power capacity to as much as 15,300 MW by 2030 
from 5,438 MW in 2010.

Market Demand

    According to the World Fact book, energy use per capita was 423.57 
KG for 2009 with 39.57% being Energy Imports. The Philippines Renewable 
Energy Act of 2008 provides the following benefits to developers of 
renewable energy:
     Seven year income tax holiday.
     Carbon credits generated from renewable energy sources 
will be free from taxes. A 10% corporate income tax, as against the 
regular 30%, is also provided once the income tax holiday expires.
     Promoting energy self-sufficiency to 60% by 2010 from 
56.6% in 2005, by using resources like solar, wind, hydropower, ocean 
and biomass energy.
     Renewable energy facilities will also be given a 1.5% 
realty tax cap on original cost of equipment and facilities to produce 
renewable energy.
     The bill also prioritizes the purchase, grid connection 
and transmission of electricity generated by companies from renewable 
energy sources.
     Power generated from renewable energy sources will be 
value added tax exempt.
     A net metering scheme will give capable consumers the 
option to generate their own power. Net metering will allow renewable 
energy producers to earn from the power they contribute to the grid, 
and are also charged for electricity drawn from the grid
    Hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass account for nearly 
39%of the Philippines' energy requirements. The United States 
Department of Energy has assessed the country's total wind potential at 
76,000 MW (across an 11,000 sq km area). Other estimates of renewable 
energy potential include: 147 MW from hydro applications in Visayas 
Islands; 4.41 GW from geothermal energy; an annual potential average of 
5.0-5.1 kWh/m2/day from solar power, and 1.78 GW from mini-hydro plants 
from 888 sites.

Thailand Market Breakdown

    Thailand has set a sustainable energy plan to address the country's 
short and long-term supply and demand issues, and to secure Thailand's 
future energy sufficiency. Renewable Energy makes up 4.7% of Thailand's 
energy usage. In order to ensure energy security, the Thai government 
has encouraged the development of alternative and renewable energy. 
According to the (2012-2021) renewable energy development plan, the 
Ministry of Energy aims to increase the proportion of alternative 
energy from 4.7% up to 25 percent of the total energy consumption by 
2021. The plan represents 9,208 MW of renewable electricity generation 
as well. The Thai government anticipates private and public investment 
over this time period to be U.S. $14.6 billion. Thailand still relies a 
great deal on imported technologies and expertise. Areas of 
opportunities for American companies are mainly biogas, biomass, solar, 
and waste-to-energy.

Market Demand

    After Indonesia, Thailand is the second largest energy consumer in 
Southeast Asia. Thailand imports over half of its energy supply. 
Although 81% of energy demand is supplied by natural gas and crude oil, 
renewable energies and alternative energies will play a greater role in 
power generation for Thailand. To encourage more renewable energy 
projects, the government has put in place various support schemes. The 
government initiated the ``adder tariff'' or a special rate that state 
utilities pay for power from renewable sources. Renewable energy is 
regarded as a priority activity by the Board of Investment. Promoted 
projects will obtain an 8-year corporate income tax holiday and an 
extra 5 years of 50 percent tax reduction. Projects are also exempted 
from the import duty for machinery. Low interest loans are also offered 
for certain projects. The maximum amount granted is 50 million Thai 
baht (USD $1.5 million).

Best Prospects

    U.S. manufacturers are considered competitive on quality, 
efficiency and after-sale support, and may want to concentrate their 
marketing efforts on the larger project developers and owners who have 
the financial resources to ``do the job right.'' Below are a few types 
of equipment where quality and efficiency are important:
     Inverters for solar PV power projects.
     Wind turbines and blades.
     Gas engines for syngas and biogas.
     Small gas turbines for syngas and biogas.
     Gas filtration and cleaning equipment for syngas and 
biogas.
     Control and monitoring systems/automation.
     Emissions control equipment.
     Heat exchangers and heat recovery boilers for cogeneration 
or tri-generation.
     New technologies from the U.S. such as plasma gasification 
for municipal waste.
    In addition, opportunities may exist for engineering service 
providers, particularly for larger-scale solar and other projects where 
there is not as yet much local experience. Also, there is no local 
expertise in effectively integrating distributed and small-scale 
generation of multiple renewable energy generation providers into the 
overall power system.

Mission Goals

    The mission will help U.S. companies increase their export 
potential to the Southeast Asian region by identifying project and 
sales distribution opportunities in the Philippine and Thailand 
renewable energy market. As such, the mission will focus on helping 
U.S. companies gain market intelligence, create government and business 
relationships, identify specific projects, and learn about financing 
tools offered by the Asia Development Bank, as well as have discussions 
regarding additional financing tools offered by the Export-Import Bank, 
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Trade & Development 
Agency as well as the Small Business Administration.
    The mission's goals include:
     Facilitating briefings, meetings and exposure to 
government officials in Thailand and the Philippines, private sector 
contacts, as well as potential in-country partners;
     Promoting the U.S. renewable energy industry by connecting 
delegates of U.S. renewable companies with partners, government 
entities and financing opportunities;
     Helping companies receive valuable exposure to the rapidly 
growing, and important, renewable energy market in each country; and
     Assisting U.S. businesses increase their international 
reach, thus, resulting in a greater capacity to increase jobs at home 
to keep up with demand, thereby furthering the goals of President 
Obama's National Export Initiative.

Mission Scenario

    Participants will attend country briefings, meet with government 
officials, have specialized one-on-one meetings with in-country 
partners,

[[Page 40331]]

participate in meetings with local utilities, and be briefed on the 
programs and opportunities with the Asia Development Bank.
    The precise agenda will depend upon the availability of local 
government and private sector officials, as well as on the specific 
goals and makeup of the mission participants.

Mission Timetable

Monday, September 17, 2012--Bangkok, Thailand

Morning
--Country briefing by U.S. Embassy staff on programs and opportunities 
in the Thailand renewable energy sector.
--Meetings with Thailand government officials to discuss market 
potential and opportunities for U.S. companies.
--Briefing and meetings with Thai utility to discuss business 
opportunities and regulations.
Afternoon
--Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with potential partners and 
government officials to discuss market opportunities.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012--Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, Philippines

--One-on-one follow-up meetings if necessary.
--Depart for Manila, Philippines

Wednesday, September 19, 2012--Manila, Philippines

--Country briefing by U.S. Embassy staff on programs and opportunities 
in the Philippine renewable energy sector.
--Meetings with Philippine government officials to discuss market 
potential and opportunities for U.S. companies.
--Briefing and meetings with officials from the Asia Development Bank 
to discuss programs for U.S. companies.
--Potential meetings with Philippine utility groups.
--Potential site visit.

Thursday, September 20, 2012--Manila, Philippines

--Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with potential partners and 
government officials to discuss market opportunities.
--Potential site visit.

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must 
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the 
Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated, on a rolling 
basis, on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the 
selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 
companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the 
applicant pool.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company or organization has been selected to participate on 
the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a 
participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Trade 
Mission will be $2,130.00 for a small or medium-sized firm (SME),\1\ 
and $3,835.00 for large firms. The fee for each additional firm 
representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $850.00. 
Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant. Delegation members will be 
able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see https://www.sba.gov/services/contracting opportunities/
sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exclusions

    The mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such 
as lodging, most meals, some local ground transportation and air 
transportation from the U.S. to the mission sites and return to the 
United States. Business visas may be required. Government fees and 
processing expenses to obtain such visas are also not included in the 
mission costs. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide 
instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain 
necessary business visas.

Conditions for Participation

    An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application 
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information 
on the company's products and/or services, primary market objectives, 
and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an 
incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, 
request additional information, or take the lack of information into 
account when evaluating the applications.
    Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it 
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United 
States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at 
least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished product or 
service.

Selection Criteria for Participation

     Suitability of the company's products or services to the 
market.
     Applicant's potential for business in Philippines and 
Thailand, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

Timeline for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar (https://export.gov/trademissions) and 
other Internet web sites, press releases to general and trade media, 
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin 
immediately and conclude no later than July 13, 2012. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce will review applications and make selection 
decisions on a rolling basis beginning in June 2012. Applications 
received after July 13, 2012 will be considered only if space and 
scheduling constraints permit.

                                 Contact
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan Hollowell,                      Kornluck Tantisaeree,
International Trade Specialist,      Energy Commercial Specialist,
U.S. Department of Commerce,         U.S. Department of Commerce,

[[Page 40332]]

 
New York USEAC,                      U.S. Embassy--Bangkok, Thailand,
33 Whitehall Street, 22nd Floor,     Tel: 662-205-5242,
New York, NY,                        Email:
                                      Kornluck.Tantisaeree@trade.gov.
Tel: 212-809-2678,                   ...................................
Email: Ryan.Hollowell@trade.gov.     Thess Sula,
                                     Energy Commercial Specialist,
                                     U.S. Department of Commerce,
                                     U.S. Embassy--Manila, Philippines,
                                     Tel: (632) 844-3393,
                                     Email: Thess.Sula@trade.gov.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Frank Spector,
Senior International Trade Specialist.
[FR Doc. 2012-16595 Filed 7-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.