logo
Oman: OIA launches $200mln JV energy transition fund

Oman: OIA launches $200mln JV energy transition fund

Zawya10-07-2025
MUSCAT: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) launched a $200 million joint energy transition fund here yesterday, July 9, 2025. 'The Energy Transition Fund' is the result of a partnership between OIA's Future Fund Oman (FFO) and Chinese investment firm Templewater, and is 'designed to accelerate Oman's shift to a low-carbon economy while unlocking scalable, investor-ready opportunities that reinforce the country's long-term development goals.'
In his keynote address, the Deputy President of OIA, Mulham Basheer al Jaraf, underscored the significance of the partnership, saying: 'Today, we are pleased to launch an investment fund with a capital of $200 million, equally contributed by the Oman Future Fund and the Templewater Fund. This partnership comes at a time when the world is witnessing rapid transformations in the energy sector and a global and national shift toward sustainability and carbon neutrality. At the Oman Investment Authority, we believe that smart and targeted investment in this field not only contributes to achieving our environmental goals, but also opens up new horizons for economic growth and strengthens Oman's position as a regional hub for renewable energy solutions.'
According to the Deputy President, the Fund will focus on channeling investments into sectors critical to the energy transition, 'This will serve as a true platform to stimulate high-quality investments in sectors related to energy transition—such as green fuels, data centers, stations and hubs, storage, smart transportation and mobility, and other vital sectors that will shape the future economy.'
He added that the partnership represents an 'effective model of synergy and collaboration between the public and private sectors—both local and international.'
'It will enable us to transfer and localize advanced technologies and build national capabilities,' he noted.
Cliff Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Templewater, shared the following about the partnership: 'We are truly thankful to the Future Fund Oman and the Oman Investment Authority for their partnership and vision. Their commitment to driving Oman's role in the global energy transition is not just forward-thinking—it is shaping real, tangible changes. From day one, FFO and OIA championed a collaborative approach—one that values innovation, global impact, and mobilizing capital at scale. That ethos is what made this project possible, laying the foundation for an investment vehicle that is both scalable and globally viable. We are proud to stand with FFO and OIA in bringing this vision to life.'
Zhang added that the Energy Transition Fund is focused on high-impact investments in areas like clean molecules, energy storage, e-fuels, smart mobility, and clean data centers. 'These are central not only to Oman's Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050 goals, but also to building a more diversified, resilient economy for the great nation of Oman. At Templewater, we are proud to be part of powering that future,' he stated.
Significantly, Templewater is also set to establish an office in Muscat. 'As part of our long-term commitment to Oman, Templewater is establishing a local presence in Muscat, with local offices and dedicated team members on the ground. We look forward to working closely with our partners at FFO and OIA—not only as investors, but as partners and collaborators—embedding ourselves in the ecosystem and contributing to Oman's energy transition and economic diversification from within,' the Chairman said.
According to officials, the Energy Transition Fund will operate with a deployment period of five years, focusing on strategic and high-impact investments ranging between $20 million to $40 million per ticket, aiming to build a portfolio of five to ten companies. The initial capital base serves as a catalyst to unlock further capital and attract high-quality, scalable investment opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Furthermore, all investments will be deployed within Oman, with the Fund committed to a 100 per cent in-country deployment strategy. It will focus primarily on identifying and investing in mature technologies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8 and above.
Moreover, the fund will leverage effective public and public partnerships to create opportunities for training and capacity building within the sector, in addition to contributing to research and development, and knowledge transfer.
Since its establishment in early 2024 with a capital of $5.2 billion, the Future Fund Oman (FFO) has committed to allocating 90 per cent of its capital to strategic local projects and 10 per cent to support SMEs and Startups with the goal of enhancing economic diversification, maximizing in-country value (ICV), and supporting digital and technological transformation.
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE has hosted more than 17,600 Afghan evacuees since 2021
UAE has hosted more than 17,600 Afghan evacuees since 2021

The National

time17 hours ago

  • The National

UAE has hosted more than 17,600 Afghan evacuees since 2021

Almost four years since the Taliban took power following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, UAE authorities have provided details of how many Afghans it has hosted. The UAE has spent almost Dh1.35 billion ($367.6 million) hosting Afghan refugees before relocating them to other countries since 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. There have been 17,619 Afghans hosted in Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi since there were widespread evacuations after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, two decades after they were toppled by the US and Nato. The assistance covered all the needs of Afghan citizens − including health care, logistical and diplomatic services, communications, shelter and food − ensuring comfort, a dignified life and well-being, said a statement from the ministry released on Thursday. EHC also provided services related to departure procedures, with 17 offices opened for the embassies of the countries to where Afghans were seeking relocation. School transport was also provided, along with on-site education and training courses. Almost 2,600 Afghans benefitted from training and professional development workshops, the ministry added. 'The UAE has spared no effort in assisting the Afghan people, being at the forefront of countries that have initiated support for Afghanistan,' said the ministry. 'This reflects its humanitarian mission, which is based on the values of giving, charitable work, spreading peace and consolidating coexistence, tolerance, and the principles of human fraternity. 'It also promotes solidarity with peoples during the most difficult circumstances and crises facing countries. 'The focus on caring for people and preserving their dignity has been a constant approach in the UAE's journey since its founding, regardless of ethnic, religious, or geographical backgrounds and in line with its noble humanitarian principles. It has become a global symbol of humanitarian giving and sustainable good.' A US news outlet reported earlier this month that the UAE was preparing to send a small number of evacuees back to Afghanistan in July.

Gaza suffering is 'unbearable', says EU commissioner
Gaza suffering is 'unbearable', says EU commissioner

The National

time17 hours ago

  • The National

Gaza suffering is 'unbearable', says EU commissioner

International pressure on Israel to alleviate 'unbearable' suffering in Gaza is set to increase at an upcoming conference in New York in support of a Palestinian state, the EU commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica has told The National. The UN has warned of mass starvation in Gaza engineered by Israel, but Benjamin Netanyahu's government rejects the accusation and blames Hamas. In the meantime the number of deaths from starvation rises steadily. 'The situation there is unbearable,' Ms Suica said. 'This is exactly the reason there is a conference. It won't solve that but it can help, because France and Saudi Arabia are organising it. Many foreign ministers will follow, and I will join on behalf of the European Commission.' A two-state solution such as that backed by the bloc and its Arab partners appears to many more elusive than ever. Israel's parliament this week called for the annexation of all Jewish settlements in the West Bank – in effect blocking the possibility of a future Palestinian state. Ms Suica, a Croatian politician who is scheduled to represent the EU at this month's conference, plays a central role in shaping the EU's economic diplomacy in the Middle East. The budget she oversees was doubled last week to €42.5 billion in the EU Commission's latest seven-year budget proposal. In October, Ms Suica will present a 'new pact for the Mediterranean', which is expected to include concrete partnerships with the region, starting with the first joint energy conference with GCC countries in Brussels on December 15. The idea is to show the region that the EU is not neglecting relations with the Arab world despite being also focusing on what is viewed as Russia's existential threat in Ukraine. Though not part of the Mediterranean region, Gulf countries are to be integrated in the new pact as privileged partners. 'We badly need them to get with us, because their interest is to have peace, security and prosperity in the region,' Ms Suica said. We want to be a player, not only a payer EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica Ms Suica, who is in charge the EU's funding to the Palestinian Authority, said that the EU would invite partners in New York to join a newly launched donor platform. It also aims to co-ordinate international efforts for the reconstruction of postwar Gaza once a permanent ceasefire is achieved. EU pressure Brussels views the Palestinian Authority (PA), which has been considerably weakened by Israel, as the only alternative to Hamas in governing Gaza. As its primary financial supporter, the EU increased its funding to the PA this year to €620 million in grants, up from €400 million in grants and loans in 2024. The bloc also recently released €52 million in funding for UNRWA, though Ms Suica signalled hopes that, over time, the PA will assume responsibility for essential services. 'Once they take over services, like health and education, they will be powerful enough to show that they can be a counterpart to Israel,' she said. 'This is what we want to achieve.' Gulf countries as well as OECD states, including the UK, Australia and Japan, would be considered strong partners to the new donor platform. There is a widespread view that the US mediates conflicts in the region while the EU finances reconstruction – but Ms Suica wants that to change, pointing to the Middle East's geographical proximity to Europe. Her motto is: 'We want to be a player, not only a payer.' While the New York conference is not expected to yield immediate decisions, it aims to offer a renewed political horizon for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. Participants are set to express their concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Yet both Israel and the US will be absent, and France's stated intention to issue its own recognition of Palestine at a follow-up leaders' meeting in September has angered Israel. Despite Israel's reputation suffering a blow during the Gaza war, EU unity on the conflict remains fragile – a fact recognised by Ms Suica. 'Let's see whether this conference in New York will help, because it will be worldwide, and I am sure that they [Israelis] also don't want to have such an image in the world,' she said. EU countries failed last week to adopt of any of the 10 measures put forward by the bloc's foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, after her services found that Israel had breached a human rights clause enshrined in its relations with the bloc. Her proposals included suspending trade preferences and scientific partnerships. All options One measure that did gain consensus was a deal to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. Yet EU ambassadors in Brussels were reported to have been widely dissatisfied with its roll-out and impact at their first update this week. Ms Kallas on Tuesday warned that 'all options remain on the table if Israel doesn't deliver on its pledges'. Her office did not answer a question from The National asking whether she would participate in the upcoming conference in New York. Israel has killed close to 60,000 Gazans in 21 months of war, after around 1,200 died in Hamas-led attacks in Israel. Ms Suica reiterated the EU's insistence on Israel keeping border crossings open to ensure the flow of humanitarian assistance. 'They opened some crossings, but still, we are monitoring closely what's going on. We need more,' she said. Regional efforts In addition to her work on Palestine, Ms Suica has been actively engaging with Middle Eastern partners to forge long-term region-to-region co-operation. This includes a strategic partnership signed with Jordan in January and discussions on green energy initiatives with Morocco, such as maritime port decarbonisation. She described the frequent accusation that such partnerships are focused solely on keeping migrants out of Europe as false. 'We don't impose anything. We don't have a template,' Ms Suica said. There has also been a measure of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, with the Israeli, Palestinian and Syrian foreign ministers sitting at the same table at a meeting in Brussels last week. In June, Ms Suica announced a €175 million aid package for Syria. She recalls being told during meetings with Syria's Finance Ministry and central bank governor that while the country was happy to see the EU return after the fall of the Assad regime, there was fear of European interference. 'We don't want to interfere, but we want to accompany you. We want to assist you,' she answered. On Palestine, the philosophy is the same, she said, pointing to its financial support for the PA. 'I cannot predict what will happen, but we are doing our best to achieve a two-state solution,' Ms Suica said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store