Overview
Masdar, also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a prominent Emirati state-owned renewable energy company founded in 2006. This comprehensive overview highlights Masdar's key aspects:
Ownership and Global Presence
- Founded by Sultan Al Jaber in 2006
- Jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Mubadala Investment Company, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Active in over 40 countries
- Invested or committed to invest in projects valued at over $30 billion
Capacity and Growth
- Operational, under construction, and advanced pipeline capacity grew from 20 GW to 51 GW by the end of 2024
- Ambitious target to achieve 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030
- In 2024, deployed nearly $8 billion in equity investments and secured over $4.5 billion in project financing across nine countries
Technologies and Initiatives
- Leader in clean energy technologies: solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage, and green hydrogen
- Aims to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030
- Hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters at Masdar City
- Launched initiatives such as Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) and Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER)
Masdar City
- Flagship project designed as a model for sustainable urban living
- Incorporates renewable energy, green building practices, and advanced technology
- Masdar City Free Zone hosts over 1,000 organizations, serving as a hub for innovation and sustainability
Financial and Operational Highlights
- Issued a second green bond, raising $1 billion with a 4.6x oversubscription
- Credit rating upgraded to AA- by Fitch
- Inaugurated the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm in Uzbekistan, the largest wind farm in Central Asia
- Signed a Power Purchase Agreement for the 2GW Sadawi project in Saudi Arabia Masdar plays a pivotal role in the global transition to renewable energy, driving innovation and supporting sustainable development worldwide.
Leadership Team
Masdar's leadership team comprises key executives and board members who guide the company's strategic direction and operational management:
Executive Team
- Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Operating Officer: Oversees operational aspects
- Chief Financial Officer: Manages financial strategy
- Chief Green Hydrogen Officer: Leads green hydrogen initiatives
- Deputy COO, Engineering, Delivery and Supply Chain: Supports operational management
- Executive Directors: Brand & Strategic Initiatives; People and Corporate Services; Strategy & Corporate Development; Internal Audit
- Chief Legal Officer: Handles legal affairs
Board of Directors
- H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: Chairman, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Group CEO of ADNOC
- Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi: Deputy Chairman, UAE Minister of Investment, Managing Director and CEO of ADQ
- Jasim Husain Thabet: Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA
- Farid Al Awlaqi: Head of TAQA's Generation business
- Dr. Michele Fiorentino: Executive VP of Low Carbon Solutions and Business Development at ADNOC
- Musabbeh Al Kaabi: Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth Directorate at ADNOC
- Ahmed Saeed Al Calily: Chief Strategy & Risk Officer at Mubadala Investment Company
Strategic Role
The Leadership Team at Masdar is responsible for:
- Setting strategic direction and overall vision
- Aligning with the mission to advance renewable energy initiatives
- Driving key decisions on investment, operational efficiency, and business development
- Fostering collaboration with external stakeholders
- Reinforcing the UAE's position in the global clean energy landscape This leadership structure ensures Masdar's continued growth and impact in the renewable energy sector.
History
The term "Masdar" refers to two distinct entities, each with its own history:
Masdar (Al-Muhaidib Building Materials Company)
- Founded in 1970 by Abdulkadir AbdulMohsen Al-Muhaidib and his son AbdulHameed
- Started as a metals and cement trading company in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Established its first physical branch in Riyadh in 1971
- Not related to the UAE-based renewable energy company
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)
Founding and Early Years
- Established in 2006 by the UAE government
- Founded and initially chaired by Sultan Al Jaber, who also served as its first CEO
- Created to diversify UAE's resources and boost the local economy
Key Milestones
- Masdar City (2008):
- Sustainable urban development project
- Aimed at creating a zero-carbon city
- Hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters
- Faced delays and revisions due to financial and practical challenges
- Significant Renewable Energy Projects:
- Shams 1 solar power station
- London Array wind farm
- Dogger Bank wind farm project in the UK
- Partnerships and Expansions:
- December 2022: Partnered with TAQA, Mubadala Investment Company, and ADNOC
- March 2024: Acquired 50% stake in Terra-Gen Power, a US-based renewables company
Leadership and Initiatives
- Sultan Al Jaber's leadership crucial in advancing renewable energy and sustainability globally
- Supports initiatives like Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and Zayed Sustainability Prize
- Involvement in COP28, with Sultan Al Jaber serving as president Masdar continues to be a significant player in the global renewable energy sector, driving innovation and sustainability initiatives worldwide.
Products & Solutions
Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable solutions, offers a diverse range of products and services across different sectors and geographical locations.
Masdar in the UAE (Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen)
Masdar's flagship operation in the UAE focuses on:
- Clean energy solutions
- Sustainable real estate
- Clean technology
- Solar and wind energy
- Energy storage
- Waste-to-energy
- Geothermal energy With projects in over 40 countries, Masdar plays a crucial role in advancing the clean energy sector and promoting global sustainability and climate action.
Masdar in Saudi Arabia (Building & Construction Materials)
Founded in 1971, Masdar in Saudi Arabia is a leading distributor of building and construction materials. Their extensive product range includes:
- Steel and timber
- Insulation materials
- Plumbing and electrical supplies
- Tools from renowned brands (e.g., Minli, Makita, Stanley, Dewalt, Bosch)
- Hardware, chemicals, and fasteners Operating through 105 outlets, they provide advanced logistics and professional support for construction needs across the Kingdom.
Masdar in Palestine (Building & Construction Materials)
Established in 2019, MASDAR in Palestine specializes in wholesale distribution of construction materials, including:
- Cement
- Nails and wires
- Adhesives
- Jumbo bags They offer integrated solutions for the Palestinian construction industry, including transportation services for packed and bulk materials.
Masdar Food Supply in Saudi Arabia (Food and Beverage Equipment)
Operating since 2021, Masdar Food Supply caters to the food and beverage industry with:
- Coffee machines and cold line equipment
- Full integrated equipment settings
- Food, beverage, and coffee supplies They provide 24/7 emergency maintenance, equipment replacement, and product training, along with various sales, placement, and rental programs.
Core Technology
Masdar's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions is reflected in its focus on several core technologies:
Solar Energy
- Pioneering utility-scale and off-grid solar projects globally
- Utilizing both photovoltaic (PV) systems and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies
Wind Energy
- Developing onshore and offshore wind projects
- Capturing high wind speeds for efficient clean energy generation
Geothermal Energy
- Investing in geothermal technology to harness Earth's heat for electricity generation
Energy Storage
- Developing and deploying solutions for a more flexible and reliable grid system
- Ensuring stable supply of clean energy
Waste-to-Energy
- Tackling waste management issues while generating clean energy
- Contributing to circular economy initiatives
Green Hydrogen
- Leading in green hydrogen production using renewable energy sources
- Aiding in decarbonization of transportation and industry sectors
Energy Efficiency and Grid Systems
- Focusing on energy efficiency-focused systems and community grid projects
- Developing smart grid technologies and energy management solutions
Innovative Deployment
- Exploring novel methods such as floating solar power plants
- Maximizing renewable energy resource utilization in diverse environments These technologies form the backbone of Masdar's mission to deliver affordable clean energy solutions, accelerate the global energy transition, and support communities in achieving their net-zero goals.
Industry Peers
Masdar operates in a competitive landscape within the global renewable energy industry. Key competitors include:
ACWA Power
- Focuses on power generation and desalinated water production
- Strong emphasis on renewable energy projects
ENGIE
- Global energy player with a diverse renewable energy portfolio
- Significant presence in energy services sector
Enel Green Power
- Specializes in wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower projects
- Competes in utility-scale renewable energy development
Orsted
- Global leader in offshore wind energy
- Primary competitor in the offshore wind segment
NextEra Energy
- Leading clean energy company in North America
- Diverse portfolio including wind, solar, and energy storage
AMEA Power
- Dubai-based renewable energy developer
- Operates in similar markets as Masdar
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company)
- Abu Dhabi-based utility company
- Involved in various renewable energy projects
Enviromena
- Competes in development and operation of renewable energy projects
- Focus on solar energy solutions
Akuo Energy and Greenko
- International renewable energy developers
- Compete with Masdar in various global markets These companies collectively represent the competitive landscape that Masdar navigates within the renewable energy industry. Each brings unique strengths and specializations, driving innovation and growth in the sector.