26 April 2026
Two decades ago, renewable energy was not the obvious choice. It was a calculated bet on a future that had yet to take shape. Today, that bet has evolved into one of the most influential clean energy platforms in the world. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, Masdar, marks 20 years of leadership in renewable energy, reinforcing its role not just as a developer of projects, but as a driver of the global energy transition. Founded on April 23, 2006, by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan through Mubadala Investment Company, Masdar was created with a clear strategic mandate: diversify the UAE’s economy and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy at scale. Twenty years later, that mandate has translated into measurable global impact. Masdar now manages a renewable energy portfolio exceeding 65GW and is targeting 100GW by 2030, positioning itself among the world’s largest clean energy companies.
As one senior leader noted, “The difference between what exists and what is possible is the difference between following a trend and setting one.”
Masdar’s trajectory reflects that distinction.
“Driven by His Highness’ long-term vision and unwavering commitment, Masdar didn’t ride the clean energy wave,” he said. “We helped create it.”
MASDAR AT 20: THE NUMBERS
| Metric | Details |
| Global Renewable Energy Capacity | 65+ GW |
| Target Capacity (2030) | 100 GW |
| Planned Investment | $30–35 billion |
| Annual Capacity Addition | 10 GW/year |
| Global Presence | 12 countries |
| Workforce | 1,100+ employees |
| Al Dhafra Solar Plant | 2 GW (world’s largest single-site solar project at launch) |
| Integrated Solar + Storage Project | 5.2 GW solar + 19 GWh battery (Abu Dhabi) |
Expanding Clean Power at Global Scale
Masdar’s growth has been shaped by early recognition of a fundamental shift: energy demand, sustainability, and economic diversification would increasingly converge. Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi attributes the company’s expansion to this long-term vision.
“Through partnership, innovation, and investment, we have grown into a global business,” he said.
Today, Masdar operates at the centre of a rapidly evolving global energy system, delivering affordable and secure clean power across multiple markets.
“Global electricity demand is accelerating,” Al Ramahi noted. “Masdar is positioned at the heart of this transformation.”
The company’s journey began with a single solar plant in Masdar City in 2009. Since then, it has scaled into one of the world’s most active renewable developers. The 2GW Al Dhafra solar plant in Abu Dhabi, completed in 2023, marked a defining milestone. At launch, it became the largest single-site solar facility globally, powering approximately 200,000 homes while setting new benchmarks for cost efficiency.
From Local Pioneer to Global Platform
What began as a UAE-led initiative has evolved into a globally diversified energy platform. Masdar’s portfolio now spans multiple geographies and technologies, reflecting a strategy built on both scale and diversification.
Key Global Projects
| Project | Location | Technology | Capacity |
| Al Dhafra Solar | UAE | Solar PV | 2 GW |
| Hywind Scotland | UK | Floating Offshore Wind | 30 MW |
| Cirata Floating Solar | Indonesia | Floating Solar | 145 MW |
| Zarafshan Wind Farm | Uzbekistan | Onshore Wind | 500 MW |
These projects highlight Masdar’s ability to operate across varied environments, from offshore wind in Europe to large-scale solar in the Middle East and Asia. The company’s transformation accelerated further in 2022, when TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC became joint shareholders, aligning national energy strategy with global expansion ambitions. Recent acquisitions, including Saeta Yield in Spain, Terra-Gen in the United States, and TERNA ENERGY in Greece, have strengthened Masdar’s position as a globally integrated clean energy player.
Redefining the Role of Renewable Energy
Masdar is now moving beyond scale to redefine how renewable energy systems operate. In partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company, it is developing the world’s first gigascale integrated renewable energy project, combining 5.2GW of solar capacity with a 19GWh battery system. This configuration is designed to deliver 1GW of continuous baseload power, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in renewable energy: intermittency. The significance extends beyond a single project. It represents a new model for how renewable energy can function within national grids, delivering reliability alongside sustainability.
Scaling Through Strategic Partnerships
Masdar’s expansion strategy increasingly relies on global partnerships. A recent $2.2 billion joint venture with TotalEnergies will combine renewable energy operations across nine Asian markets, reflecting a growing focus on high-demand regions. This approach allows Masdar to scale rapidly while leveraging local expertise and market access. To achieve its 100GW target, the company plans to invest between $30 billion and $35 billion, adding approximately 10GW of capacity annually. At this pace, Masdar is not only expanding, it is reshaping the competitive landscape of global renewable energy.
The Strategic Shift: From Projects to Systems
The evolution of Masdar mirrors a broader shift in the energy sector. Renewables are no longer standalone projects. They are becoming integrated systems that combine generation, storage, and digital optimisation. Masdar’s investments in large-scale storage, hybrid energy systems, and cross-border partnerships signal a move toward system-level thinking, where energy reliability, resilience, and efficiency are addressed together. This shift is critical as global energy demand continues to rise, particularly in emerging markets where infrastructure must scale quickly and sustainably.
The Vision That Started It All
Reflecting on the early days, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted the significance of Masdar’s founding moment.
“In 2006, investing in renewable energy wasn’t the obvious call,” he said. “It was the courageous one.”
At the time, renewable technologies were still developing, and the economics were uncertain. Yet the leadership recognised the long-term potential.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan saw not what renewables were,” Dr. Al Jaber noted, “but what they could become.”
That perspective has shaped not only Masdar’s journey, but also the UAE’s broader role in the global energy transition.
The Next 20 Years: Scaling Impact
Masdar’s first two decades have been defined by vision and execution. The next phase will be defined by scale, integration, and speed. As energy systems worldwide transition toward decarbonisation, electrification, and resilience, companies like Masdar are becoming central to that transformation. They are no longer just developers of clean energy projects. They are builders of future energy systems. And if the past 20 years offer any indication, Masdar is not simply adapting to the transition. It is helping define it.
Masdar cements its role in the global energy transition. (Photo Credit: WAM)
