Abu Dhabi-based clean energy giant Masdar has invested $15 billion in renewable energy projects worldwide in 2025, reinforcing the UAE’s growing leadership in the global energy transition.
Speaking at a media briefing during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Masdar’s chief executive Mohamed Al Ramahi said the company is making rapid progress towards its long-term ambition of becoming one of the world’s largest renewable energy developers.
“Our core objective is to reach 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and we are already more than halfway towards achieving that target,” Mr Al Ramahi said.
Global Expansion with a UAE Backbone
Jointly owned by Taqa, Adnoc and Mubadala, Masdar is currently active in over 40 countries, with a combined renewable capacity of 51 gigawatts either operational or under development. Over the past few years, the company has emerged as a key global player, delivering projects across the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and the United States.
While Masdar will continue expanding its footprint across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and the US remain critical growth markets, Mr Al Ramahi said, underlining the company’s balanced global strategy.
Major Projects Across Continents
In December, Masdar announced its first project in Malaysia—a 200-megawatt floating solar power plant valued at more than $200 million. Once operational, the project is expected to provide affordable clean electricity to more than 100,000 homes, supporting Southeast Asia’s rising energy demand.
The company also marked a milestone in the UK with the completion of its first battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Stockport. The facility forms part of Masdar’s £1 billion ($1.3 billion) investment programme aimed at strengthening the UK’s energy storage infrastructure. Additional BESS projects are planned in Cardiff and Chesterfield.
In the United States, Masdar’s portfolio includes wind, solar and battery storage projects across California, Texas, New York state and New Mexico. Within the Mena region, the company remains active in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco.
Renewables Set for Another Record Year
Meanwhile, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) director general Francesco La Camera said 2025 could deliver another record year for renewable energy, following the addition of 582 gigawatts of renewable capacity globally in 2024, with total investments reaching approximately $800 billion.
“We have never been closer to achieving the Cop28 commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, agreed in Dubai,” Mr La Camera said.
However, he warned that renewable deployment remains uneven, with developing regions lagging behind.
“This is especially important for Africa and South-east Asia, where energy demand will rise sharply in the coming years and where clean energy solutions will be essential,” he said, noting that investment remains concentrated in Europe, the US, China and India.
Mr La Camera also stressed the need for significant investment in power infrastructure, including interconnected grids, energy storage, artificial intelligence and digital technologies to build smarter and more resilient energy systems.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Takes Centre Stage
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) begins this week, opening with the IRENA General Assembly, which will bring together more than 1,500 participants, including ministers, policymakers and senior industry leaders.
The World Future Energy Summit (WFES), a flagship event under ADSW, will run from January 13 for three days, featuring hundreds of international exhibitors, tens of thousands of industry professionals and more than 350 expert speakers.
A highlight of this year’s summit is the AI and Technology Hub, spanning 3,600 square metres at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The hub will showcase over 70 high-growth start-ups, more than 30 AI-driven companies, dedicated hydrogen and cyber-technology zones, and a China-focused innovation area.
The event comes as the UAE intensifies its decarbonisation drive, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The country has raised its 2030 renewable energy target to 19.8 gigawatts, up from 14.2 gigawatts, with installed renewable capacity reaching 6.8 gigawatts by the end of 2024, according to official data.
