Qatar topped the Middle East and North Africa in the World Economic Forum’s [WEF] latest Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2021 report, an indicator of the Gulf state’s readiness to transition to sustainable energy systems.
Qatar Investment Authority has bought some $740 million in shares at renewable energy provider Avangrid, acquiring up to 3.7% of its common stock.
The deal comes as Avangrid announced plans to sell shares worth $4,000 million to both the Qatar Investment Authority [QIA] and Spanish Iberdrola Group, for $51.40 million each.
Iberdola is the largest shareholder of the US-based renewable energy firm and is purchasing $3.26 million in shares.
“We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with Iberdrola through our investment in Avangrid. We share a common vision with Iberdrola for a low-carbon future. Avangrid is a high-quality utility and a leader in renewables in the U.S. market, with strong growth potential,” said Chief Executive Officer of QIA Mansoor Al-Mahmoud said in a press release seen by Doha News.
He added that QIA’s investment is part of its strategy to increase its US portfolio and its “commitment to support decarbonisation through environmental and social impact investments”.
In another major deal by QIA, the Qatari sovereign wealth fund purchased 16% of the 53 million shares offered by Siemens Healthineers in March, which managed to raise $2.8 billion.
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Qatar has also been taking Qatar also topped the Middle East and North Africa in the World Economic Forum’s [WEF] latest Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2021 report, an indicator of its readiness to transition to sustainable energy systems.
Among its most recent changes was the introduction of an emission-free transport system, with more than 1,100 electric buses set to transport spectators during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Last year, Qatar also announced plans to install the world’s largest solar-powered electric charging station in Lusail City.