EVENT OVERVIEW
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency sponsored a delegation from South Africa to visit the U.S. for a Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) focused on clean energy. The goal of the RTM was to promote cooperation on clean energy topics between the public and private sectors in the United States and South Africa and further the likelihood that climate-smart infrastructure projects in South Africa are implemented by utilizing U.S. goods and services. The delegation consisted of 13 delegates representing various regions across South Africa.
EVENT SUMMARY
This RTM contained a variety of information exchanges, site visits, tours, and meetings with clean energy/green hydrogen related companies and organizations. TWG worked with USTDA to organize the RTM which took place from January 28 - February 7, 2024, with stops in Houston, Texas, and San Francisco, California.
The delegation included 13 executives from South African private and public clean energy organizations. During the RTM, the delegation met with U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of clean energy technologies and services and discussed opportunities for future activities, including sales and cooperative activities. The Houston and San Francisco U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) specialists assisted TWG in planning the RTM meetings and activities. The Houston, Texas, portion included a Business Briefing, Financial Roundtable, meetings with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and numerous U.S. companies. The primary objective of this Briefing was for the delegation to present green hydrogen needs and goals to U.S. firms and explore potential business partnerships. During the Briefing, each delegate delivered individual presentations, followed by one-on-one sessions with U.S. firms. These personalized interactions facilitated feedback, focused discussions, and the exchange of valuable information. The Business Briefing saw participation from multiple companies, setting the stage for in-person site visits in Houston, Texas, and San Francisco, California. Companies involved in the RTM included Amogy, Rice University, Fluor, Syzygy Plasmonics, NOV Inc., GE Power, Baker Hughes, Electric Hydrogen-EH2, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company), Port of Oakland, Verne, SWITCH Maritime LLC and Hornblower.
TWG SERVICES PROVIDED: A/V & Multimedia Services, Budget Management, Catering, Dining & Food & Beverage Management, Contract Negotiation, Venue Sourcing, Hotel Contract Negotiation, Room Block Management, Interpretation & Translation Services, Attendee Communications, Air Travel, Transporation & Travel Management, Itinerary Development, Logistics Management, Material Production, Registration & On-Site Coordination, Site Visits & Receptions, Website Development
