Abu dhabi: The UAE has strengthened its role in driving the global transition to clean energy in 2025, spearheading a wide portfolio of solar energy projects financed and executed by national companies across multiple continents. The UAE's solar initiatives extend across Asia, Africa, and Europe, reinforcing the country's leadership in reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
According to Emirates News Agency, at the start of this year, the UAE signed a tripartite partnership framework with Italy and Albania to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in Albania, focusing on solar photovoltaic, wind, and hybrid solutions, with part of the generated power to be exported to Italy. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has accelerated its international expansion in 2025 with key milestones in several countries.
In Spain, Masdar acquired a 49.99% stake in four solar plants from Endesa photovoltaic plants with a total capacity of 446 MW, strengthening its presence in the Iberian Peninsula. In Indonesia, Masdar and PT PLN (Persero), Indonesia's state-owned electricity company, signed agreements to advance the development of floating solar power projects. A floating solar power plant at the Jatigede Dam reservoir in West Java is set to begin development this year, with completion scheduled for 2027. Additionally, Masdar and PLN are exploring the potential expansion of Masdar's 145MWac Cirata Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant.
In Saudi Arabia, Masdar, in collaboration with GD Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation, reached financial close for the 2-gigawatt Al Sadawi solar photovoltaic project under the National Renewable Energy Programme. In Misk City, Riyadh, Emerge, the joint venture between Masdar and EDF power solutions, signed a long-term solar energy agreement to deliver sustainable electricity over the next 20 years, including the development of a 621-kilowatt peak rooftop solar photovoltaic plant.
In Madagascar, UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU) signed agreements with the Government of Madagascar to develop a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant and advance the country's clean energy transition. In Egypt, GSU partnered with Egypt's AH Industrial Management, China's JA Solar, and Bahrain's Infinity Capital to develop the 'Atum Solar Egypt' project in Ain Sokhna, which includes a 2 GW solar cells factory and a 2 GW solar modules factory.
In Yemen, GSU expanded the Aden Solar Power Plant and commissioned the Shabwah Solar Power Plant, supplying clean electricity to around 330,000 households. In the Central African Republic, GSU broke ground on a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Saka, expected to supply clean electricity to over 300,000 households. Lastly, in Comoros, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development inaugurated a 6.3-megawatt solar power plant, funded with AED25.7 million, enhancing the nation's energy infrastructure.