Masdar
A United Arab Emirates state-owned clean-energy company developing and investing in renewable power, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban projects.
Last updated October 16, 2026
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Overview
Masdar, formally Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, is a United Arab Emirates state-owned renewable-energy company headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Established in 2006 as a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, it was created as part of Abu Dhabi’s effort to diversify its economy and develop domestic capabilities in clean energy and sustainable development. The company operates as a developer, investor, owner, and partner across renewable-power and related infrastructure projects rather than as a conventional consumer-facing energy brand. Masdar’s activities include utility-scale solar power, wind energy, concentrating solar power, battery storage, green hydrogen, and associated clean-energy technologies. Its portfolio and partnerships extend beyond the UAE into international markets, with projects and investments in Europe, North America, and other regions. The company has participated in major infrastructure initiatives such as the Shams 1 concentrating solar power station in Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom’s Dogger Bank offshore wind project. In 2024, it also expanded in the United States through an agreement to acquire a 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen Power, a San Diego-based renewable-energy company, from Energy Capital Partners. Masdar is closely associated with Masdar City, an Abu Dhabi sustainable-urban-development project launched in 2008. The city was conceived as a demonstration of low-carbon urban planning and renewable-energy integration. Its early infrastructure included the Masdar City 10MW Solar Power Plant, described as the UAE’s first grid-connected renewable-energy project, as well as rooftop photovoltaic capacity. Although the original ambition of creating a fully zero-carbon city by 2016 was not achieved as initially envisioned, Masdar City remains a research, business, and demonstration district focused on sustainable construction, mobility, energy efficiency, and clean technology. The company’s institutional role increased in 2022, when Mubadala, TAQA, and ADNOC announced a partnership to consolidate their interests under the Masdar brand, creating a larger global clean-energy platform. The expanded structure allowed Masdar to pursue renewable-power generation and green hydrogen at greater scale. Its activities therefore sit at the intersection of Abu Dhabi’s economic-diversification policy, the UAE’s international climate diplomacy, and the global transition toward lower-carbon energy systems. Masdar has also drawn public criticism for being backed by Abu Dhabi institutions closely tied to the UAE’s hydrocarbon economy. Environmental organizations and commentators have questioned whether the company’s clean-energy activities sufficiently offset the UAE’s continuing role as a major fossil-fuel producer. Scrutiny intensified during COP28, when its chairman and founder, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, served as president of the conference. Reports that Masdar engaged lobbyists and public-relations advisers to respond to negative coverage added to the debate over the relationship between renewable-energy expansion, state reputation management, and climate diplomacy. Despite the controversy, Masdar remains an active international developer and investor in renewable energy and emerging clean-energy technologies.
History
Masdar was established in 2006 by the Abu Dhabi government as Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company. Its creation reflected Abu Dhabi’s strategy of diversifying economic activity and building expertise in renewable energy while remaining a major producer of oil and gas. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber was the company’s founder and served as its first chief executive officer. From its early years, Masdar combined commercial renewable-energy development with demonstration projects intended to showcase Abu Dhabi’s sustainability ambitions. In 2008, it launched Masdar City, a planned development designed to test lower-carbon urban planning, energy efficiency, renewable generation, and sustainable transport. The project was originally presented as a zero-carbon city targeted for completion by 2016. Although that original timetable and ambition were not realized in full, the district continued to develop as a hub for clean-technology companies, research, education, and sustainable-building activity. A major early power project was the Masdar City 10MW Solar Power Plant, inaugurated in 2009. It was described as the first grid-connected renewable-energy project in the UAE and, at the time, the largest project of its type in the Middle East. Masdar also developed Shams 1, a 100MW concentrating solar power station using parabolic-trough technology. The project helped establish the UAE as a participant in large-scale solar generation and illustrated Masdar’s interest in technologies beyond conventional photovoltaic generation. In 2009, Al Jaber helped lead Masdar’s successful effort to secure Abu Dhabi as the headquarters location for the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA. The bid prevailed over South Korea, and IRENA subsequently established its headquarters at Masdar City. This strengthened the city’s symbolic and institutional role in international renewable-energy policy. In early 2016, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi became Masdar’s chief executive officer. Under his leadership, the company continued to develop and invest in renewable-energy projects in multiple international markets, including solar and wind assets and related infrastructure. Masdar’s portfolio expanded from demonstration projects in Abu Dhabi toward a broader model based on partnerships, project ownership, investment, and global development. In December 2022, TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC announced a partnership to create a larger clean-energy platform under the Masdar brand. The reorganization was intended to combine the institutions’ capabilities and capital in renewable energy and green hydrogen. It represented a significant shift in Masdar’s role from an Abu Dhabi diversification initiative toward a global clean-energy company backed by several of the emirate’s largest strategic enterprises. Masdar continued its international expansion in 2023 and 2024. In December 2023, it was reported to have joined an £11 billion investment agreement relating to the United Kingdom’s Dogger Bank offshore wind farm. In March 2024, the company agreed to acquire a 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen Power from Energy Capital Partners, expanding its presence in the United States. The amount paid was not disclosed in the cited material. Masdar has also pursued green-hydrogen opportunities, including a joint study with Austria’s Verbund concerning large-scale green-hydrogen production in Spain. The company’s growth has taken place alongside continuing political and environmental scrutiny. Critics argue that the UAE’s promotion of renewable energy through Masdar must be considered alongside its continued fossil-fuel production. During COP28, held in the UAE and chaired by Sultan Al Jaber, reports about Masdar’s engagement of lobbyists and public-relations advisers generated additional controversy. The debate has made Masdar an important example of how state-backed renewable-energy expansion can coexist with, and become entangled in, the interests and reputation of a hydrocarbon-producing state. By 2025, Masdar had begun construction of a proposed baseload clean-power project designed to combine a 5.2GW solar plant with 19GWh of battery storage and an expected constant output of 1GW. The project illustrates the company’s increasing emphasis on integrating variable renewable generation with storage to deliver more reliable electricity. Masdar remains active in renewable power, storage, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban development, with Abu Dhabi serving as its institutional base and international partnerships providing the main route for expansion.
- 2025
Construction begins on a solar-and-storage baseload project
[1]Masdar begins construction of a proposed system combining 5.2GW of solar generation with 19GWh of battery storage and an expected constant output of 1GW by 2027.
- 2024
Masdar agrees to acquire half of Terra-Gen Power
[1]The company agrees to acquire a 50 percent stake in the US renewable-energy company Terra-Gen Power.
- 2023
Masdar joins Dogger Bank investment agreement
[1]Masdar becomes part of an investment agreement associated with the United Kingdom’s Dogger Bank offshore wind project.
- 2022
Three Abu Dhabi institutions partner under the Masdar brand
[1]TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC announce plans to combine capabilities under Masdar to pursue renewable energy and green hydrogen globally.
- 2016
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi becomes chief executive
[1]Al Ramahi is appointed chief executive officer as Masdar continues its international renewable-energy expansion.
- 2009
IRENA headquarters bid succeeds
[1]Masdar helps Abu Dhabi win the bid to host the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters at Masdar City.
- 2009
Masdar City 10MW Solar Power Plant is inaugurated
[1]The plant becomes the UAE’s first grid-connected renewable-energy project and an early demonstration of Masdar’s solar strategy.
- 2008
Masdar City is launched
[1]Masdar begins development of a sustainable urban district in Abu Dhabi intended to demonstrate low-carbon planning and renewable-energy integration.
- 2006
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company is established
[1]The UAE government establishes Masdar as a Mubadala subsidiary to support economic diversification and renewable-energy development.
Products and positioning
A state-backed Abu Dhabi platform for international renewable-energy investment, project development, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban innovation.
Sustainable urban development · 2008
Masdar City
A sustainable urban-development project in Abu Dhabi launched by Masdar in 2008. It was planned as a demonstration of low-carbon urban design, energy efficiency, renewable generation, and sustainable mobility. The district includes clean-technology businesses, research and institutional activity, and photovoltaic infrastructure. Its original zero-carbon-city target was not achieved on the initial timetable, but Masdar City remains the company’s best-known urban sustainability project.
Solar power · 2009
Masdar City 10MW Solar Power Plant
A grid-connected solar plant serving as an early demonstration project for Masdar City and the UAE’s renewable-energy sector. It was inaugurated in 2009 and described as the first grid-connected renewable-energy project in the UAE. Masdar City buildings also received additional rooftop photovoltaic capacity as part of the development’s first phase.
Concentrating solar power
Shams 1
A 100MW concentrating solar power station using parabolic-trough technology. The facility covers approximately 2.5 square kilometres and uses extensive solar-collector infrastructure to generate electricity from concentrated sunlight. It was designed to displace substantial carbon dioxide emissions and supply power equivalent to the needs of approximately 20,000 homes.
Renewable-energy development and investment
International renewable-energy projects
Masdar develops, invests in, and partners on utility-scale solar, wind, and energy-storage projects across international markets. Its activity includes participation in large offshore-wind infrastructure, US renewable-energy assets, and projects intended to integrate variable renewable generation with storage and other firming technologies.
Green hydrogen · 2022
Green hydrogen projects
A strategic growth area for Masdar following the 2022 partnership involving TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC. The company pursues studies, partnerships, and development opportunities related to producing hydrogen with renewable electricity, including a study with Austria’s Verbund concerning large-scale production in Spain.
Controversies
2023
COP28 lobbying and reputation-management controversy
Masdar faced criticism after reports said it hired lobbyists and a public-relations firm during COP28 to defend its work and respond to negative coverage involving Sultan Al Jaber, who was both Masdar’s chairman and the president of COP28. The controversy reflected broader concerns about the UAE’s climate messaging, its fossil-fuel economy, and the use of renewable-energy branding in international reputation management.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023COP28 communications and reputation campaign
United Arab Emirates · International
During COP28, Masdar reportedly engaged lobbyists and First International Resources to respond to criticism of the company, its chairman Sultan Al Jaber, and the wider UAE climate narrative. The reported activity generated additional media and environmental scrutiny about the role of public relations in climate diplomacy.
Outcome. The reported activity generated additional media and environmental scrutiny about the role of public relations in climate diplomacy.
- 2009Abu Dhabi bid for the IRENA headquarters
United Arab Emirates · International
Masdar supported Abu Dhabi’s successful campaign to host the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters at Masdar City, helping connect the city with international renewable-energy policy and institutions. Abu Dhabi won the bid over South Korea, and IRENA established its headquarters at Masdar City.
Outcome. Abu Dhabi won the bid over South Korea, and IRENA established its headquarters at Masdar City.
Brand decisions
2025
Develop a solar-and-storage baseload power stationProduct launchBackground
Solar generation is variable, creating demand for large-scale storage and firm power solutions.
Action taken
Masdar began construction of a proposed system combining a 5.2GW solar plant with 19GWh of battery storage and an expected constant output of 1GW.
Aftermath
The project positioned Masdar around dispatchable renewable electricity rather than generation from solar capacity alone.
2024
Acquire a 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen PowerM&ABackground
Masdar sought to expand its US renewable-energy portfolio through an investment in a San Diego-based developer and operator.
Action taken
Masdar agreed to acquire half of Terra-Gen Power from Energy Capital Partners.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened Masdar’s operating and investment presence in the United States. The cited reference did not disclose the purchase price.
2023
Participate in Dogger Bank offshore wind investmentM&ABackground
The United Kingdom’s Dogger Bank project is a major offshore wind development requiring substantial long-term investment.
Action taken
Masdar agreed to participate in an investment arrangement connected with the project.
Aftermath
The agreement strengthened Masdar’s presence in the UK offshore-wind market.
2022
Create a larger global clean-energy platform under MasdarStrategyBackground
Mubadala, TAQA, and ADNOC sought to combine their capabilities and capital in renewable power and green hydrogen.
Action taken
The institutions announced a partnership to operate under the Masdar brand and pursue international clean-energy growth.
Aftermath
Masdar’s role expanded from an Abu Dhabi economic-diversification initiative toward a larger global renewable-energy and green-hydrogen platform.
Recent events
Reported
Masdar green REIT secures $200 million financing[3]
Masdar said its green Real Estate Investment Trust secured $200 million in financing from a deal signed with First Abu Dhabi Bank, which will be the mandated lead arranger.
Reported
Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar complete airport solar project[4]
Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar completed a three-megawatt solar photovoltaic project at the short-term car park of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal. The project has 7,542 solar panels.
Reported
Masdar launches For A Sustainable Future campaign[5]
Masdar launched the global brand campaign “For A Sustainable Future” to highlight its renewable energy and sustainable technology work and the UAE's sustainable development goals.
- Unconfirmed
Masdar acquires stakes in EDF Renewables projects[6]
Masdar acquired a 50 percent interest in a portfolio of eight U.S. renewable energy projects from EDF Renewables North America, including interests in three wind farms and five solar projects.
Reported
Tabreed agrees to acquire Masdar City cooling plants and concession[7]
Tabreed announced an agreement to acquire the Masdar City district cooling plants and concession, along with the use of two deep geothermal wells located in Masdar City.
Reported
Masdar launches UAE sustainable real estate investment trust[8]
Masdar said it was launching the UAE's first sustainable real estate investment trust, to be located at Abu Dhabi Global Market and initially include four commercial properties in Masdar City.
Masdar launches Youth 4 Sustainability platform[9]
Masdar launched the global Youth 4 Sustainability platform, which combines tailored workshops and real-world experience to equip young people with skills for careers in the sustainability industry.
Sources9 sources
- 1Masdaren.wikipedia.org
- 2Masdar official websitemasdar.ae
- 3Masdar 绿色房地产投资信托基金获得 2 亿美元融资arabnews.com
- 4阿布扎比机场公司与马斯达尔完成机场太阳能项目arabnews.com
- 5Masdar推出“For A Sustainable Future”宣传活动prnewswire.com
- 6Masdar 收购 EDF Renewables 项目股权socaltech.com
- 7Tabreed同意收购Masdar City区域供冷厂及特许经营权thinkgeoenergy.com
- 8Masdar推出阿联酋可持续房地产投资信托gulfnews.com
- 9Masdar推出Youth 4 Sustainability平台abudhabicityguide.com
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