Siemens continues to build its reputation for backing sustainable energy projects with the recent announcement of its investment of $50m in Masdar and Deutsche Bank’s latest clean tech fund.

Masdar, the Abu Dhabi state-owned investment firm, has partnered with the German industrial and engineering giant before and this latest deal signals Siemens increasing involvement with a firm that has invested in several groundbreaking technological advances.

The move is part of a larger trend for Siemens venture capital as it looks to increase its stake in the energy and environmental care sector. Still, it’s not alone in looking to partner with funds such as Masdar on this kind of deal – Consensus Business Group, Nippon Oil and GE are just some of the names that invested in these funds.

Joachim Kundt, CEO of Siemens in the Lower Gulf region, said: ”In an area with such enormous solar intensity and water shortages, the sustainable use of resources is of existential importance.”

“As a reliable partner, Siemens will continue to assist the sustainable development of this region and support the Masdar-Project with our technological expertise.”

Masdar meanwhile has enjoyed a rising profile in recent years. Having established a similar fund in 2006, the firm has recently announced that it would work with energy utilities company E.ON on a joint venture company focused on projects to reduce carbon emissions.

It is the leading instrument in an initiative to construct a zero carbon emission city, a goal which maintains Abu Dhabi’s image as one of the most forward-thinking clean tech countries. Ambitious, it has to be said.

Watching companies invest heavily in these ideas, there are some exciting prospects for the partnerships being formed with those funds that have been able to weather the financial storm. A carbon neutral city is an interesting idea to say the least and the backing of global corporations that are prepared to put their money into areas that could well enhance their scope in sustainable industries is key.

Whether or not a particular one of these ideas come to fruition, the clean energy market seems set to continue its rise.