Masdar

Active since 2006, Masdar is spearheading the UAE’s sustainable energy strategy in both the local and international arenas. Wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, the strategic investment arm of Abu Dhabi’s government, Masdar aims to take up leadership in the global energy industry while fostering research and investment in sustainable energy sources and economic diversification.

In 2008, Masdar embarked on the ambitious Masdar City development. This economic free zone has created a unique ecosystem of business, start-ups, academia, R&D, and commercial and residential urbanisation focused on the development of innovative and sustainable livelihoods. The city is the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi’s strategic initiative to diversify its energy mix and become a world leader in renewable energies, clean technologies and sustainable development.

• Working with Siemens: Masdar and Siemens Energy have a long-term strategic partnership in several areas such as energy efficiency, smart grids, smart buildings, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.

• Working with EDF: Masdar and EDF Renewables were awarded the Dumat Al Jandal wind project in Saudi Arabia; they are acquiring strategic investments in the USA for a 1.6-GW, eight-project clean energy portfolio; and they are exploring renewable energy opportunities in Israel.

Masdar has been leading the energy transition in the UAE thanks to its own investment and R&D, but also to key partnerships with international leaders in the renewable energy sector. The company is present in two key solar projects in the UAE: Shams Solar Plant, the UAE’s first large-scale solar power plant, and Phase 3 of the Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. It is also a shareholder in the Emirates Waste to Energy Company in Sharjah.

Masdar’s expansion in the international renewable energy markets has been equally impressive and diverse, with a presence across many continents and in many types of technology. In the UK, Masdar has been involved in several wind energy projects, such as London Array, and also power storage and charging infrastructure for EVs. Masdar has also entered the wind energy markets in the USA and Poland. Regarding solar PV projects, Masdar has been involved in projects in locations ranging from Pacific islands to the Caribbean, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Ethiopia, India and Azerbaijan. The company entered the waste-to-energy market in Australia in 2020.