OCI Energy gives $250,000 to create scholarships for students studying renewable energy

OCI Energy President and UTSA alumnus Sabah Bayatli '15 smiled during an event announcing the donation of $250,000 from his company to the Klesse College.

JANUARY 28, 2025 — The Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (Klesse College) is creating a new scholarship fund for students who want to build careers in the fast-growing clean energy industry. A $250,000 gift from OCI Energy will be used to establish the fund, among other educational initiatives.

Starting in the fall of 2025, the UTSA Klesse College will award two $10,000 scholarships annually to students pursuing engineering degrees focused on renewable energy. In addition, the support from OCI Energy will allow the UTSA Alumni Association to provide one $10,000 scholarship per academic year to students majoring in business management, economics or political science who are interested in the renewable energy sector.

OCI Energy is led by Sabah Bayatli ’15, an alumnus who earned his second master’s degree, in mechanical engineering, from UTSA. While at UTSA, Bayatli began an internship with OCI Energy, setting the foundation for his rise to become the company’s youngest president in 2023.

“As a proud UTSA alumnus, it’s an honor to invest in the future of renewable energy by supporting the next generation of engineers, innovators and policymakers,” Bayatli said. “This initiative aligns with OCI Energy’s mission to power a cleaner and brighter future and reflects our commitment to the well-being and growth of the communities where we operate across the U.S.”

OCI Energy will also continue its commitment to hiring UTSA undergraduate and graduate students as interns, with the potential for full-time employment after graduation.

“As a proud UTSA alumnus, it’s an honor to invest in the future of renewable energy by supporting the next generation of engineers, innovators and policymakers.”

Bayatli (left) shook hands with Eric Brey (middle), dean of the Klesse College, and Russell Wagner (right), executive director of the UTSA Alumni Association, at the event.

UTSA prepares graduates for the workforce while ensuring affordability and accessibility. Scholarships and internship opportunities provide UTSA students with expanded research and academic opportunities, ultimately equipping graduates to make a positive impact in their industries. Additionally, scholarships help students complete their degrees on time without financial strain and connect them with mentors and professionals in their chosen fields.

For example, Elijah Lopez ’22, a former Klesse Scholar, shared how his academic scholarship impacted his time UTSA.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received my scholarship. It allowed me to work more closely with my professors and gave me the opportunity to connect with the deans, associate deans, and outside mentors,” Lopez said. “This access to additional mentorship helped enormously in my studies. Having more guidance from professionals in my field has helped me find clarity on what I want to pursue in my own career.”

The renewable energy sector continues to expand, contributing to significant employment growth worldwide. In 2023, global employment in renewable energy reached 16.2 million jobs, an increase from 13.7 million in 2022, reflecting the highest annual growth on record. In the United States, clean energy employment grew by 142,000 positions that same year, accounting for more than half of the new jobs in the energy sector. The industry encompasses a wide range of roles, including engineering, project management, research and development, manufacturing, and policy. As the demand for renewable energy technologies increases, initiatives such as the OCI Energy Annual Scholarship aim to support students in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in this growing field.

Rowdy and Tim Heinle, Executive Vice President of Business Development for OCI Energy, hugged it out.

Established in 2012, OCI Energy is a leading developer, owner and operator of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects, committed to accelerating the renewable  energy transition with cleaner, more sustainable, reliable, and secure energy that helps power the grid.

Today, Bayatli remains deeply connected to UTSA. He actively hires graduates year-round and offers internship opportunities to foster the next generation of talent in the renewable energy sector. Approximately 25% of OCI Energy’s employees are UTSA alumni.

“This is an incredible investment from OCI Energy in the Klesse College,” said Eric Brey, dean of the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. “The scholarships are critical financial support, and the internships provide students real work experience and professional development in the field of renewable energy. The opportunity for full-time employment after graduation brings our partnership full circle.”

Russell Wagner, executive director of the UTSA Alumni Association, added, “OCI Energy has always been a shining example of hiring UTSA graduates and the success that can come with that. It is a company on the rise, and we are humbled by its willingness to provide critical support in the form of scholarships and to prepare students for the next phase of their lives through internships. This is a special day for UTSA.”

— Jordan Allen