Masdar was established in 2006 and was started by Mubadala, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the UAE. Masdar plays a leading role globally in the clean energy sector, providing strong support to the UAE's economic diversification and climate change efforts. As global demand for renewable energy grows rapidly, Chinese companies are actively joining international markets, looking for cross-border cooperation and investment opportunities to help them expand their market share. Masdar is one of the preferred choices for Chinese companies to collaborate with.

About Masdar

Masdar, a clean energy company based in Abu Dhabi, is advancing renewable energy projects at a remarkable pace with its robust capital backing.

Founded in 2006 and initiated by Mubadala Investment Company, one of the UAE’s largest sovereign funds, Masdar also established an office in Beijing.

Masdar plays a leading role globally in the clean energy sector and helps drive the UAE’s economic diversification and climate change agenda.

Currently, Masdar operates in more than 40 countries, having invested or committed over $30 billion in projects. The company aims to have a renewable energy investment portfolio of up to 100 gigawatts by 2030, focusing mainly on wind and solar technologies.

The company’s CEO, Mohamed Al Ramahi, stated, "We were the first company to commit to investing in renewable energy. Sixteen years ago, when Masdar was founded, the local energy mix was basically built on fossil fuels. Now, we get nearly 13% of our energy from clean renewable sources."

The UAE is also committed to reaching "zero emissions" by 2050 and continues to advance clean energy solutions.

The UAE plans to invest 600 billion dirhams (about 163.3 billion USD) in clean and renewable projects over the next 30 years to meet the zero emissions goal by 2050. This includes projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai and a large solar power plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

Masdar’s Three Major Shareholders

Masdar’s rapid growth and global influence are backed by three powerful shareholders: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA).

1. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)

As a leading global energy producer, ADNOC plays a key role in Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and diversification. It produces more than 4 million barrels of oil per day and over 11.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily. ADNOC is also expanding its activities in low-carbon and new energy sectors to prepare for a clean energy future.

Since 1971, ADNOC has pursued excellence, addressing global energy needs through a fully integrated network covering exploration, production, storage, refining, and trading. ADNOC is committed to innovation and collaboration to provide sustainable energy solutions for the UAE and honor the legacy of the founding father.

2. Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala)

Mubadala is a long-term investment company delivering financial returns and social benefits to Abu Dhabi through a diverse portfolio. It offers knowledge, expertise, and technical skills to support the UAE’s efforts to build a balanced and sustainable economy by cooperating with global leaders.

Masdar leverages Mubadala’s diversified portfolio synergies to accelerate renewable energy deployment locally and globally. Mubadala’s support has been key to Masdar’s success and contribution to sustainable development.

3. Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)

Founded in 2005, TAQA is a diversified utility and energy group based in Abu Dhabi. Its investments cover power generation, water supply, transmission, distribution, and upstream and midstream oil and gas businesses. TAQA operates not only in the UAE but also in countries like Canada, Ghana, India, Iraq, Morocco, Oman, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US.

As a Masdar shareholder, TAQA provides critical resources and expertise to support the company’s sustainable clean energy projects. Together, TAQA and Masdar advance the UAE’s leadership in clean energy.

In summary, these three shareholders — ADNOC, Mubadala, and TAQA — not only provide capital support but also bring experience and resources that fuel Abu Dhabi’s major achievements in renewable energy and clean technology. Their cooperation continues to push the UAE’s progress in sustainable energy, creating greener and more sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Masdar City: The World’s First Zero-Carbon City

Located near the center of Abu Dhabi, Masdar City is a highlight project and the world’s first zero-carbon city. It uses solar and wind power and adopts unique architecture and design to significantly reduce energy and water consumption.

Masdar City is just five minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport and twenty minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.

Masdar developed this new city project with support from Mubadala Development Company and strong backing from the Abu Dhabi government, aiming to create a hub for a new generation of sustainable communities.

The city mainly uses solar power from the Sharm Solar Power Plant, which has over 87,000 solar panels covering 2.5 square kilometers just outside the city walls.

Additionally, Masdar City harnesses wind energy through 130-foot-high wind towers that convert high-altitude winds into cool breezes, keeping the city temperature around 21°C (69.8°F), while outside temperatures often exceed 37°C (98.6°F).

Masdar City also operates as a free trade zone, allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies, free movement of funds and profits, and no import tariffs, corporate taxes, or personal income taxes.

Masdar’s Renewable Energy Projects

Masdar leads renewable energy project development worldwide.

The Shams Solar Power Plant, built in 2013, is the first concentrated solar power plant in the Middle East.

In Indonesia, Masdar began building the country’s first floating solar power plant in 2021.

In 2023, Masdar’s three solar projects in Uzbekistan reached financial close, marking the largest solar development plan in Central Asia.

In wind energy, Masdar invested in the UK’s London Wind Farm, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, and developed Hywind, the world’s first utility-scale floating offshore wind farm off Scotland’s coast.

In 2019, Masdar completed the Gulf region’s first large-scale wind farm, the Dhofar Wind Power Project in Oman.

After Masdar’s joint venture Infinity Power acquired renewable energy developer Lekela Power, Masdar became Africa’s largest renewable energy operator.

Masdar is also heavily involved in green hydrogen development. The company signed a major agreement to develop a 4 gigawatt green hydrogen plant in Egypt by 2030 and plans a 2 gigawatt integrated offshore wind and green hydrogen project in Azerbaijan.

Following a 2022 cooperation agreement with Engie, a global low-carbon energy player, and UAE-based Fertiglobe, Masdar continues exploring green hydrogen projects in the UAE.