The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is steadily cementing its position as a global leader in clean energy, driven by a forward-looking vision and a commitment to sustainability that has become central to national development. In 2025, the UAE reinforced its role in the global renewable energy sector by expanding a wide portfolio of solar projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe through its national companies. This expansion reflects the country’s strategic approach to clean energy, which balances national priorities with international collaboration and investment.
Earlier this year, the UAE signed a significant tripartite partnership with Italy and Albania to develop large-scale renewable projects. Part of the power generated from these projects is expected to be exported to Italy, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global energy markets. The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, widely known as Masdar, has been at the forefront of this international expansion. Masdar acquired a 49.99 percent stake in four solar plants in Spain, which together have a combined capacity of 446 MW. This step strengthens the UAE’s renewable energy footprint in Europe while demonstrating the country’s commitment to strategic partnerships in the clean energy sector.
In Southeast Asia, Masdar has signed agreements with Indonesia’s state utility, PT PLN, to develop floating solar projects. These include a plant at the Jatigede Dam in West Java, which is scheduled for completion in 2027, as well as the expansion of the Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Plant, currently the largest floating solar facility in Southeast Asia. In the Middle East, Masdar continues to advance large-scale projects. In Saudi Arabia, it reached financial close on the 2 GW Al Sadawi project in partnership with GD Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation. Additionally, its joint venture, Emerge, signed a long-term solar supply agreement with Riyadh’s Misk City, underscoring the UAE’s influence in regional renewable energy markets.
UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU) is also playing a key role in advancing clean energy in Africa and the Middle East. Projects under GSU include a 50 MW solar plant in Madagascar, a $220 million solar industrial complex in Egypt, and new facilities in Yemen and the Central African Republic, which will provide electricity to more than 600,000 households. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development further extended the country’s clean energy presence by inaugurating a 6.3 MW solar plant in the Comoros. These projects reflect the UAE’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy access in the Global South, combining development goals with investment opportunities.
The UAE’s leadership in clean energy is backed by substantial investments from national institutions and global partners. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and energy experts note that investment in renewables has become both a developmental priority and a strategic necessity to ensure sustainable economic growth. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the Barakah nuclear plant operations, and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 together form a comprehensive framework guiding the country’s clean energy efforts. The energy strategy targets tripling the share of renewables by 2030, supported by national investments of AED150–200 billion to meet the growing energy demand driven by rapid economic expansion.
Flagship initiatives such as the Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Power Plant, the world’s largest single-site solar plant, and Masdar City, one of the most sustainable urban developments globally, exemplify the UAE’s vision for a clean and smart future. These projects serve as models for sustainable cities, combining innovative technology with environmental responsibility. Through strategic partnerships, international expansion, and ambitious national planning, the UAE continues to strengthen its leadership in clean energy, setting an example for other countries while contributing to the global transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
The country’s efforts highlight that clean energy is not just an environmental objective but a cornerstone of economic and technological development, positioning the UAE as a key player in shaping the world’s sustainable energy future.
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