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• Collaboration will advance sustainable production of aluminium, one of UAE’s biggest exports

• Masdar and EGA will explore international opportunities to power new aluminium production facilities with renewable energy

• Aluminium plays a major role in the decarbonisation of many industries

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, one of the world’s largest clean energy companies, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer in the world, agreed an alliance to work together on aluminium decarbonisation and low-carbon aluminium growth opportunities.

The signing was witnessed by His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of Masdar. Masdar and EGA will explore the joint development of renewable energy projects, with potential battery storage and green hydrogen production and storage, to support the decarbonisation of EGA’s existing operations in the UAE, and any future operations in the country.

The two companies will also work together internationally to find opportunities through which Masdar will support EGA to power new aluminium production facilities with renewable energy sources.

Masdar is a global leader in renewable energy and the UAE’s flagship clean energy company. It develops and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects around the world.

Aluminium production is energy-intensive, and generating the electricity required using fossil fuels accounts for about 60 per cent of the global aluminium industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Mohamed Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said:

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said:

EGA produces one-in-every 25 tonnes of aluminium made worldwide. The company’s metal is the biggest made-in-the-UAE export after oil and gas and is shipped to more than 50 countries.

In 2021, EGA became the first company in the world to make aluminium commercially using solar power, producing almost 39 thousand tonnes that year. In 2023, EGA produced some 66 thousand tonnes of CelestiAL solar aluminium.

Established in 2006, Masdar is the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse. It is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW of total renewable energy capacity by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.

• Collaboration would support Uzbekistan’s ambitious renewable energy strategy by addressing intermittent supply challenges

• Agreement will explore feasibility of pumped storage hydro plants in several locations across Uzbekistan

• Announcement represents Masdar’s first entry into pumped storage hydro sector

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed an agreement with JSC Uzbekhydroenergo, Uzbekistan’s state-owned hydroelectric power producer, to assess the feasibility of several pumped storage hydro projects in the country.

Pumped storage hydro can support the rapid adoption of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, with a stable, reliable storage solution that can operate at utility-scale.

According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), pumped storage hydro accounts for over 90 percent of installed global energy storage capacity and it estimates pumped storage capacity could reach 240GW by 2030.

The announcement adds to Masdar’s growing number of renewable energy projects in Uzbekistan. In December 2023, solar and wind projects developed by Masdar with a combined capacity of 1.4GW were connected to the grid in Uzbekistan. The projects connected to the grid included the 500MW Zarafshan wind farm and three solar projects located in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad, which represent the largest solar development program in the region. Masdar has also signed an agreement to develop an additional 2GW wind project and deploy battery storage systems with a capacity of 1,150 megawatt-hours (MWh) across five existing projects in the country.

Hydropower technology is a significant part of Uzbekistan’s energy mix. The country has set a target of 6GW hydropower capacity by 2028. Current capacity is just over 2GW. Uzbekistan is also targeting 7GW of solar and 5GW of wind capacity by the end of this decade.

Masdar is aiming for a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030, supporting the target set in The UAE Consensus to triple global renewables capacity by the end of this decade.

• Hybrid solar power station developed on twin-island nation under US$50m UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund – a partnership between UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Masdar

• Initiative aims to deploy renewable energy projects across 16 Caribbean countries to reduce energy costs, increase energy access, and enhance climate resilience

• Masdar developed and implemented Green Barbuda project, which will contribute to nation’s goal of meeting 86 percent of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030

The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF), announced that the hurricane-resistant power project developed by Masdar for Antigua and Barbuda to withstand even the fiercest winds, is now operational.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, which destroyed 95 percent of Barbuda on September 6, 2017, and forced all 1,800 residents to be evacuated to Antigua, the climate resistant plant is designed to survive 265 km-per-hour winds and provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable supply of electrical power for the island.

The hybrid solar, batteries, and back-up diesel project is already helping to support the twin-island nation’s objective of meeting 86 percent of its electricity sources from renewable energy by 2030.

The Green Barbuda project was formally inaugurated at an event on the island of Barbuda by Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Hazza Ahmed Al Kaabi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, and Ambassador Brian Challenger, the Ministry of Energy of Antigua and Barbuda, accompanied by a delegation from local and state entities.

Masdar developed and implemented the Green Barbuda project as part of its work under UAE-CREF, the largest renewable energy investment of its type in the region. Fully financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the US$50 million UAE-CREF was launched at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 as a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ADFD and Masdar. New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) also provided funding for the project.

HE Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said:

HE Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Development Affairs, commended the project, which will both enhance sustainable development efforts in Caribbean countries, and consolidate the UAE's leading role in providing foreign aid, and promoting global peace and prosperity. "Renewable energy plays a key role in enhancing energy security within emerging markets, especially in small island countries that are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change,” he said. “The UAE is committed to advancing global climate change initiatives, as evidenced by its successful hosting of COP28 in 2023. The conference emphasized inclusivity and engagement with diverse stakeholders, resulting in the historic UAE Consensus among 198 Parties. This underscores the UAE's commitment to ushering in a new era of climate action. In Antigua and Barbuda, renewable energy projects not only ensure a sustainable future but also address immediate needs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, said,

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said,

The bespoke project combines a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, featuring 720 kilowatts-peak (kWp) of solar PV panels, connected to a 863 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, and capable of fully meeting the island’s current daytime energy demand. The plant will enable Barbuda to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by 406,000 liters and cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 1 million kg.

The UAE-CREF initiative intends to deploy renewable energy projects in 16 Caribbean countries in three cycles to reduce energy costs, increase energy access, and enhance climate resilience. Projects have already been successfully launched in the Bahamas, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

As the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse and one of the world’s leading renewable companies, Masdar is at the vanguard of advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges.

Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries and has more than 20GW of capacity including operational, under construction or advanced development projects in its worldwide portfolio. Masdar has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than US$30 billion with ambitious growth plans to reach 100GW by 2030.

• Infinity Power and Senelec have signed a 20-year Capacity Change Agreement (CCA) to provide 160MWh through a battery energy storage system (BESS)

• The project will support the stabilisation of Senegal’s national grid and the expansion of renewable energy supply across Senegal, avoiding 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year

• The BESS is to be built at the Tobène substation in Thies, Senegal. It will be operated by Infinity Power’s 158.7 MW wind farm in Senegal, Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN)

Infinity Power, a joint venture between Egypt’s Infinity and UAE’s Masdar, announced today the signing of a 20-year Capacity Change Agreement with Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity company to supply 40MW through a battery energy storage system (BESS). The system will enable Senelec to stabilise the nation’s electricity grid and pave the way for further renewable energy growth in Senegal.

The project will be operated by Infinity Power’s Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN) windfarm, located approximately 70km north of Dakar. The windfarm supplies 158.7MW of clean, renewable wind energy to over 2 million people across Senegal. PETN represents a 15% uplift in Senegal’s renewable generation capacity, and is the largest wind farm in West Africa.

Construction of the battery energy storage system is expected to commence in early 2024 at the Tobène substation in Thies and is expected to become operational in 2025. Once complete, it will be one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, and will help Senegal to avoid approximately 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The BESS will also provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation, reactive power support, and energy charge and discharge.

With this project, Infinity Power aims to further its commitment to empowering a future of sustainable, renewable energy across Africa. The BESS will support Senelec in reducing its dependence on reserve capacity derived from thermal plants, with Senelec estimating that the BESS will save the grid an estimated $165 million over its operating life.

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Chairman of Infinity Power said,

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power added,

Commenting on the project agreement, Papa Mademba Biteye, General Manager at Senelec said;

The BESS facility project previously received a grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund initial feasibility studies at the site and the analysis necessary to implement and operate the battery storage system. On the other hand, Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye has initiated negotiations with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and project finance lenders to plan and outline requirements for the technical side of the project.

Infinity Power, the largest renewable energy company in Africa, is targeting 10GW of operational renewable energy by 2030, which will equate to $5bln USD investment. This target will have the capability to provide electricity to 12 million homes across the African continent by the end of this decade and would contribute a further reduction of approximately 15 to 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, briefed His Excellency and his delegation about the progress made by Masdar in the six years since its inception. His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, accompanied the visiting delegation.

Praising the significant progress achieved by the UAE and Abu Dhabi in the renewable energy sector, His Excellency Massoud Barzani, said: "It is extremely impressive to visit one of the top oil and gas producers in the world and learn that UAE is working on creating solutions to address the challenges of energy. There is no doubt that these efforts reflect the long-term strategic vision of the wise leadership of Abu Dhabi. These projects emphasize that the UAE is leading the way with the latest scientific developments in the clean technology sector, thereby providing effective and commercially viable solutions to global problems."

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: "We were honored to welcome His Excellency Massoud Barzani and the accompanying delegation to Masdar. His visit provided us with the opportunity to shed light on the vision of our wise leadership, aimed at enhancing energy security through a diversified energy mix, with a focus on capacity building in renewable energy."

During their visit to Masdar, the delegation experienced a ride in the personal rapid transit (PRT) pods, the zero-carbon driverless vehicles, and was taken to Masdar Institute (MI), a graduate level, research-oriented university focused on renewable energy and sustainability.

The tour also included a visit to MI’s library, the Knowledge Centre, and its landmark ‘wind tower’. The tower was inspired by “barjeel”; the traditional cooling system in traditional Emirati houses that captures upper level winds to cool the open-air public square below.

The delegation was also briefed on the solar photovoltaic plant which supplies Masdar with the needed electricity to run its day-to-day operations. 

As a member of the high-level group, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, has committed to developing renewable energy projects and encouraging clean energy innovation through Masdar—Abu Dhabi's multifaceted renewable energy company.

The Year of Sustainable Energy for All, announced in Abu Dhabi by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at the World Future Energy Summit in January, aims to engage governments, the private sector, and civil society in an effort to achieve sustainable energy for all.

As part of its commitment, Masdar will set up two renewable energy projects in Tonga and Afghanistan: the grid connected PV plant in the island of Vava’u in Tonga will supply 13 % of the island’s demand, saving 180,000 liters of diesel oil annually and 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and the project in Afghanistan will supply 8 isolated villages with 600 individual solar home systems. Masdar also plans to partner with the Development Bank of Japan to invest in global solar and wind power projects.

Managed by Masdar, the Zayed Future Energy Prize, has also created a new category, the Global High School Prize, aimed at awarding US$500,000 amongst five schools that submit winning cases for how to improve their school’s energy footprint. The Prize will take place across 5 regions — Africa, Oceania, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

In an effort to further reinforce the mandate and objectives of the Year of Sustainable Energy, entrants to the Global High School Prize are required to ensure that their funding proposals answer to one or more of the initiative’s three objectives: ensuring universal access to modern energy services; doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and doubling theshare of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

“Sustainable energy access is an imperative for all nations, whether developed or developing; and as a global community, we have the responsibility to support these efforts,” said Dr. Al Jaber.

“Achieving the goals set out by the Sustainable Energy for All initiative will require activities that yield tangible energy projects and financial commitments. The commitments made by the UAE and Masdar will have direct and positive impacts on communities while also helping nations ensure energy security,” added Dr. Al Jaber.

Masdar is developing large scale renewable energy projects and investing in clean technology, within the United Arab Emirates and across the globe in markets including China, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Sustainable Energy for All meeting in London was Co-Chaired by Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and Chairman of UN-Energy, and Charles Holliday, Chairman of Bank of America.

Members of the High Level Group for the Sustainable Energy for All initiative reviewed the commitments made by the public and private sector, the planned activities and outcomes of the upcoming Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil, as well as the initiative’s post Rio+20 implementation, monitoring and reporting mechanism.

The High-Level Group, convened by the Secretary-General is comprised of thought leaders from - the private sector, government, intergovernmental organizations and civil society. The Group aims to develop a global strategy and concrete agenda for action to reach the three objectives by 2030.

The High-Level Group meeting preceded the 3^rd Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) which also took place in London. The CEM is the only annual meeting of ministers from the world’s leading economies that addresses policies and programs that promote the advancement of clean energy technology. As a member country, the UAE has been a key driver of the CEM process through Masdar and the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which hosted the second ministerial in Abu Dhabi last year and the organizing session for the inaugural ministerial with US Energy Secretary Stephen Chu. 

At the CEM, the UAE launched along with China, Denmark and Sweden the Global Sustainable Cities Network (GSCN), a new initiative that will help advance objectives of Sustainable Energy for All. The GSCN will provide a platform for pioneering sustainable city initiatives throughout the world; enabling knowledge sharing of city development best practices, encouraging collaboration between cities and driving public private partnerships. Masdar City, the UAE’s low-carbon low-waste emerging clean-tech cluster and test-bed for renewable energy and sustainable technologies, will serve as Secretariat to the GSCN and publish a set of recommendations for driving the commercialization, scalability and technology cost reduction.

The delegation, received in the UAE by H.E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and in Masdar by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, discussed a number of possible strategic co-operations in a bid to promote and facilitate mutually beneficial economic relationships.

The discussions addressing the outlook for economic developments, especially in the field of infrastructure and sustainability, environmental policy, business development opportunities as well as port development policy, were led by H.E. Sheikha Lubna and H.E. Mr. Maxime Verhagen, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna said: “This meeting today builds on an historic relationship. Trade was always considered the most important factor for relations between the Netherlands and the UAE, and these ties continue to become stronger today. In fact, most people would be surprised to know that the Netherlands’ ties with the Arab world date back more than three centuries.” “The discussions that took place today, I am sure, will heed long term benefits that will be crucial for both our countries.”

The long historical relations between the two nations are reflected through thriving trade relations and cultural and academic exchange; in addition, a large number of Dutch companies and Dutch expatriates are also based in the UAE today. Moreover, in 2002, the UAE opened an embassy at The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government. The Netherlands also opened the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in the UAE in 2008.

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, said: “We are honored to welcome their Royal Highnesses to Masdar, to showcase our progress and the partnerships we enjoy and to build on those successes through exploring other areas of possible collaboration.”

Masdar has collaborated with Dutch company 2getthere to implement the City’s Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, the state of the art pilot project which forms part of Masdar’s sustainable transport system.

“We aim to continue partnering with Dutch companies on such innovative projects to help accelerate, develop and disseminate renewable energy and clean technologies,” he added.

The Netherlands rank fourth highest in Europe in terms of wind power production. Initially, wind farms were placed onshore, but since 2006, they can be found offshore across the Netherlands as well.

Their Royal Highnesses and their accompanying delegation were received by executives of Masdar including: Frank Wouters, Director, Masdar Power; and Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute.

The Netherlands announced last year it will gear its renewable energy policy to meet the binding European Union target of 14 per cent renewable energy target in 2020 in a more cost-effective way. The improved support scheme, called ‘SDE+’, builds on 15 years of experience of stimulating renewable energy.

The royal delegation’s visit started with a short explanation of Masdar City at scale model followed by a ride in one of the PRTs. Upon arriving at the PRT station at Masdar Institute campus, one of the world’s most sustainable campuses for graduate level students and the first research-driven institution in the region dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges of future energy and sustainability, the delegation was escorted to sign the VIP guest book before being taken to the meeting room.

Masdar represents a multifaceted approach to renewable energy and comprises of the integrated business units —Masdar Capital, Masdar Carbon, Masdar Power, Masdar City, and Masdar Institute. The visit came ahead of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the world’s foremost annual meeting committed to promoting advancement of renewable energy, energy efficiency and the water and waste sectors by engaging political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders to drive innovation, business and investment opportunities in response to the growing need for sustainable energy. The fifth edition of WFES will run from 16th to 19th January, 2012 and will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) has entered the second cycle of its three-year plan to build climate-resilient renewable energy projects in 16 Caribbean nations, successfully completing new development and funding agreements for the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guyana, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.

The announcement was made at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020.

Under the new development and funding agreements, a solar photovoltaic (PV) carport and rooftop project will be built in the Dominican Republic; a solar PV and battery hybrid project will be developed for the village of Dondon, Haiti; a solar PV and battery hybrid plant will be constructed on the island of Wakenaam, Guyana; and a  solar PV and battery hybrid project is planned for Carriacou in Grenada. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, two solar PV desalination plants will be developed, while Suriname will receive a solar PV and battery hybrid plant and Trinidad and Tobago, a solar PV carport. 

Fully financed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the leading national entity for economic development aid, UAE-CREF is a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), ADFD and Masdar, which is leading the design and implementation of the selected projects. 
His Excellency Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, said: “The UAE-Caribbean collaboration comes within the framework of the UAE’s Foreign Aid Policy and five-year strategy, which is committed to assisting Small Island Developing States to achieve their national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; taking urgent action to combat climate change; and achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. 
“It is our hope that these new agreements will enable beneficiaries to bolster their defences against climate change while further pursuing energy independence in the long term.”
His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “In line with the UAE’s efforts to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ADFD prioritises development in the global renewable energy sector. The Fund finances sustainable solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power ventures in the beneficiary countries, especially in the Small Island Developing States.”

He added: “Today’s announcement reaffirms the Fund’s commitment to working in partnership with the governments of beneficiary countries to translate their clean energy objectives into reality. We are confident that the selected second-cycle UAE-CREF projects will go a long way in meeting the outlined energy targets and driving sustainable economic growth in the seven countries.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “Masdar is honoured to leverage its global expertise and experience in renewables to support the Caribbean’s sustainable energy transition. These landmark clean energy projects in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guyana, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname will create jobs, boost gender equality and capacity building, reduce energy costs and reliance on expensive diesel fuels, as well as enhance climate resilience and stimulate economies.” 
The projects represent significant steps forward advancing the renewable energy ambitions of the seven countries, with the Dominican Republic targeting renewable energy generation of 25 percent by 2025 and Haiti aiming to have 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Guyana has set a target of 47 percent renewable electricity generation by 2027, while Grenada is aiming for 100 percent by 2030 and Trinidad and Tobago is targeting 5 percent of peak demand by 2020. 

Clean energy projects in the Bahamas, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were inaugurated in March 2019, while construction is expected to begin this year in Belize, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda, which will see the rebuilding of the power system on hurricane-devastated Barbuda. 

International development and how it is accelerating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through initiatives such as UAE-CREF was on the agenda at the Future Sustainability Summit, the anchor event of ADSW. The high-level panel, which was moderated by HE Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative for the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), comprised HE Wilfred Arthur Abrahams, the Barbados Minister of Energy and Water Resources; Adel Al Hosani, Operations Department Director, ADFD; and Olabode Esan, Head, Energy Services, Masdar.