As the General Manager of Al Masaood Power, Rasso Jörg Bartenschlager has been at the forefront of the region’s energy transformation, driving sustainable and innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of the UAE and the broader Gulf region. In this interview, Rasso shares insights into Al Masaood Power’s strategic initiatives, from their groundbreaking partnership with Instagrid to their alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He also discusses the role of AI, hybrid systems, and portable, emission-free power solutions in shaping a resilient, future-ready energy landscape in the Gulf.
- How does the recent partnership between Al Masaood Power and Instagrid enhance your portfolio and contribute to the UAE’s clean energy goals?
Our partnership with Instagrid is a game-changer in our portfolio, as it introduces the UAE to the first professional-grade, portable, emission-free battery system. The partnership strengthens Al Masaood Power’s position as a leader in providing innovative energy solutions that align directly with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. Offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based generators, Instagrid’s technology supports critical industries such as construction, events, and emergency services, helping them reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring reliability.
According to Instagrid’s 2024 Impact Report, its clean portable power systems have already enabled customers to reduce over 701,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions by replacing combustion generators – the equivalent of removing more than 300,000 cars from the road. They have also cut 74,000 tonnes of carbon monoxide (CO) and 96 tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NOx), achieving a direct contribution to cleaner air quality. By 2030, Instagrid aims to reduce over 23 million tonnes of CO₂e and eliminate 7 million tonnes of local pollutants such as NOx and CO.
- How do portable, emission-free battery systems fit into Al Masaood Power’s long-term strategy?
Portable, emission-free battery systems align perfectly with our long-term strategy of offering smarter, more sustainable, and flexible energy solutions. As the world moves toward cleaner energy alternatives, especially in off-grid and mobile applications, these systems will play a vital role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. Each Instagrid ONE unit delivers up to 94% lower greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime compared to a conventional generator and operates with ten times lower annual operational costs, no fuel logistics, and zero maintenance. Our focus on hybrid systems, renewable energy, and digital solutions is further complemented by this technology, helping us create a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
- What new market opportunities do you see for Instagrid’s portable battery systems in the UAE and Gulf region?
The market opportunities for Instagrid’s portable battery systems in the UAE and the wider Gulf region are significant, especially in sectors where there’s a growing demand for off-grid, mobile, and sustainable energy solutions. Industries like construction, events, utilities, marine, and emergency services all require reliable, flexible power sources, and Instagrid fills that gap with its clean, mobile power technology. On top of that, the UAE’s ambitious sustainability goals and government initiatives like Net Zero 2050 create an ideal environment for such products to thrive. Instagrid is positioned to replace traditional diesel generators, providing a cleaner, quieter, and cost-efficient alternative with zero emissions at the point of use.
- How is Al Masaood Power aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy?
At Al Masaood Power, we are fully aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. We are actively investing in introducing technologies that promote sustainability, such as hybrid power systems, renewable energy integration, and energy storage solutions. Our partnership with Instagrid complements this vision, as its products achieve a Material Circularity Index of 48%, with recycling potential exceeding 90% and a 96% repair rate for returned products. These metrics highlight a circular approach to sustainability, ensuring that innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
- How is AI and smart power management optimizing your energy systems?
AI and smart power management are at the heart of optimizing our energy systems. Leveraging AI enables us to predict and analyze energy demands, optimize fuel use, and ensure efficient operations across both traditional and renewable energy sources. Our investment in smart grid technologies enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making, enhancing the reliability of our energy solutions. AI-powered systems are also crucial for reducing energy waste, improving fuel efficiency, and ensuring that our systems adapt quickly to fluctuations in demand. This digital transformation enables us to offer more sustainable, efficient, and resilient power solutions to our customers.
- Given the region’s extreme climate, how does Al Masaood Power design sustainable and resilient solutions?
Designing sustainable and resilient solutions in the Gulf’s extreme climate is central to our approach. The region’s high temperatures, humidity, and dust pose significant challenges, so we ensure that all our systems are engineered to operate efficiently under these harsh conditions. For example, our hybrid and renewable energy solutions are designed with durability in mind, offering reliability in extreme environments. We also focus on developing energy systems that can withstand temperature fluctuations, with features like weatherproof designs and advanced cooling technologies. Our mobile and containerized power solutions also ensure that even remote or off-grid locations can access reliable energy, regardless of climate challenges.
- How do global energy price volatility and economic trends impact your pricing strategies?
Global energy price volatility and economic trends certainly play a role in shaping our pricing strategies. We focus on offering solutions that provide long-term value, ensuring our customers benefit from cost savings over time. As energy prices fluctuate, we prioritize solutions that minimize operational costs, such as hybrid systems that combine renewable sources with traditional backup power. With Instagrid, our customers gain a cost-efficient, maintenance-free, and fuel-independent solution that delivers consistent savings throughout its lifespan.
- What roles do hybrid power and AI play in enhancing energy resilience in the Gulf region?
Hybrid power systems and AI are pivotal in enhancing energy resilience in the Gulf region. Hybrid systems, which combine renewable energy sources like solar and wind with traditional backup generators, ensure that the energy supply remains stable and reliable, even during fluctuations in demand or supply. These systems offer a flexible, sustainable solution that reduces the region’s reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining grid stability. AI plays an equally important role by enabling predictive maintenance, optimizing power usage, and ensuring that energy systems can respond in real time to changing conditions. Together, these technologies empower us to build a more efficient and sustainable energy future for the region.