Image of Matthew Keats

Matt Keats

Partner, Co-Head of Asia Energy & Infrastructure, Dubai

“With over 30 years of experience advising across the full spectrum of energy and infrastructure projects around the world, I have had the privilege to support governments, sponsors and lenders on their most strategic projects that genuinely shape regions and industries. My work spans the full project lifecycle, and I thrive on collaborating with our exceptional teams – usually across multiple product areas and jurisdictions - to deliver innovative and sustainable outcomes for clients.”

Overview

Matt is a partner in the energy & infrastructure team who advises governments, sponsors, borrowers and commercial banks, DFIs and Export Credit Agencies on a wide range of first-of-a-kind transactions across the full spectrum of energy and infrastructure assets, including energy transition. He has over 30 years’ experience of advising on large scale project development and financing, bringing a deep understanding of managing a project from inception through development to operation.

Work Highlights

Matt’s recent experience includes advising:

  • PV5 IPP, UAE: advising lenders to the preferred bidder in relation to development and financing of the 1.5GW Al-Zarraf Solar Project in Abu Dhabi.
  • Mirfa IWPP refinancing, UAE: advising the lenders on the US$1.08bn refinancing of the US$1.5bn Engie and TAQA-sponsored Mirfa IWPP in Abu Dhabi. (MENA Refinance Deal of the Year, IJ Global Middle East Awards 2022)
  • SATORP Refinery Project, Saudi Arabia: advising the lenders on the refinancing of the US$14bn SATORP Refinery Project, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia involving JBIC, NEXI, KEXIM, COFACE, CESCE, SACE, Euler Hermes, Islamic, commercial and capital markets financiers.
  • Localisation of PV component manufacturing, Saudi Arabia: advising the Sponsors on the production localisation of photovoltaic ingots and wafers and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and modules for solar generation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Assiut Hydrocracking Complex, Egypt: advising SACE and the lenders on the US$1.4bn multi-tranche construction financing of the complex in Upper Egypt. (MENA Oil & Gas Deal of the Year – Downstream, IJ Global Middle East Awards 2022)
  • Shiqri and Gayal, Saudi Arabia: advising ENOWA on the procurement of its first onshore wind and solar facilities on a PPP basis.
  • Project One, Belgium: advising INEOS as sponsor on the development and financing of its world-scale propane ethane cracker facility in the Port of Antwerp in Belgium, considered to be a “game changer” for the European chemicals industry. (Europe Energy Transition Deal of the Year, IJ Global Awards, 2023)