In a strategic move to strengthen regional collaboration in sustainable energy, the League of Arab States (LAS) has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) — a subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company headquartered at Qatar Science & Technology Park.
The agreement, which focuses on collaboration on climate action, decarbonization, energy transition and environmental sustainability, was formalized in a signing ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt.
The MOU was signed by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Malki, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at LAS, and Dr. Yousef Bin Mohammed Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD.
ADNOC Distribution (ISIN: AEA006101017) (Symbol: ADNOCDIST), the UAE’s largest mobility and convenience retailer, announced today the launch of the second phase of its service station solarization program in collaboration with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group.
Under the program, Emerge will finance, design, install and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at service stations across ADNOC Distribution’s UAE network. This initiative supports the Company’s sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy, while also enhancing operational efficiency by lowering energy costs and optimizing the energy mix at service stations, in line with its aim to reduce operational carbon intensity by 25% by 2030.
The solarization program is directly linked to ADNOC Distribution’s pioneering adoption of sustainable financing, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to mainstreaming sustainability across the business. In January 2023, ADNOC Distribution became the first UAE fuel and convenience retailer to convert an existing $1.5 billion term loan into a sustainability-linked one. This loan ties financial incentives and penalties to achieving sustainability goals, including solarization, embedding financial accountability into ADNOC Distribution’s sustainability commitments.
Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are pleased to partner with Emerge to bring solar energy to our Abu Dhabi service stations, building on the successful solarization of our Dubai network last year. Incorporating solar power into our energy mix is just one facet of our strong commitment to sustainability, upholding broader ADNOC Group and UAE net-zero goals. We are proud of these efforts as we strive to build a better future for customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.”
Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, said: “After the successful completion of the first service station solarization phase, we are proud to extend our partnership with ADNOC Distribution and launch the second phase, which will cover more than 100 stations under the scheme. At Emerge, we’re committed to supporting businesses in the UAE to reduce carbon emissions and achieve their sustainability goals.”
In the first phase of the project, Emerge installed solar panels at 28 ADNOC Distribution service stations in Dubai, representing all feasible locations within the Dubai network where solar panels could be installed. As of the end of 2024, the partnership had generated over 6,300 MWh of electricity, equivalent to a reduction of CO₂ emissions by more than 2,900 tonnes.
During Phase 2, ADNOC Distribution and Emerge will install solar panels at more than 100 service stations across Abu Dhabi. The solar panels are expected to generate nearly 30,000 MWh of renewable energy per year, enough to power nearly one billion smartphones and avoid the equivalent of over 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This reduction is equivalent to the carbon absorbed by nearly 250,000 tree seedlings growing for 10 years.
Solar energy deployment is just one of many decarbonization initiatives by ADNOC Distribution, which include AI-enabled tools for emissions and energy savings, biofuels to power fleet vehicles and other sustainability programs.
ADNOC Distribution strengthened its position as an ESG leader in the mobility and convenience retail sector in 2024, and is now ranked within the top quartile of Bloomberg, S&P Global, London Stock Exchange and FTSE Russell ratings. In October 2024, ADNOC Distribution was awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Centre for Responsible Business’ ESG Label, the first fuel retailer in the Middle East to receive this distinction.
Emerge has developed more than 200MWp of solar capacity across diverse commercial and industrial sectors in just three years since its establishment. The company offers clients full turnkey solutions through solar power agreements at no up-front cost to the client. Recognized with multiple awards, it is committed to creating a greener, sustainable future by helping businesses meet their sustainability goals.
Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, and recognized sustainability leader, will play an active role at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 (WEF), advocating for more collaboration to increase uptake of energy technologies and automation solutions.
The annual meeting gathers global leaders from all sectors to address the world’s most urgent challenges. This year, it emphasizes stronger collaboration to address geopolitical dynamics, while stimulating growth and stewarding a just energy transition. Schneider Electric is firmly aligned with the WEF’s call to action. The company has long worked across multiple industries and sectors, helping clients and partners reduce environmental impacts along their value chain, while improving efficiency and resilience.
Recently, Schneider Electric released two key reports, The Looming Power Crunch; Solutions for Data Center Expansion in an Energy-Constrained World from its Energy Management Research Center, and Artificial Intelligence for Energy Transition from its Sustainability Research Institute. These reports outline strategies for addressing the challenges of an energy-constrained world and ensuring expansion is both sustainable and economically viable. They also define a strategy for integrating AI seamlessly into our infrastructure to achieve substantial decarbonization in the energy sector. Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric, during the IEA global conference in December 2024, advocated that it is possible to leverage innovations in AI to deliver greater efficiency, resilience, and security simultaneously while ensuring smart and sustainable management.
Schneider Electric now calls for harnessing the momentum around AI to accelerate the adoption of existing technologies such as end-to-end AI data center solutions or AI powered HVAC in buildings. The company states that this will facilitate a successful energy transition and drive the development of smart industries.
According to a WEF report, reducing energy usage with existing technologies alone could lower energy intensity by 31% and generate annual savings exceeding $2 trillion USD by 2030. To deploy technology at scale, Schneider Electric emphasizes stronger partnerships and enhancing efficiency at the industry level.
“Sustainability and economic growth can go hand-in-hand,” says Olivier Blum, CEO, Schneider Electric. “By forging strategic partnerships, companies can leverage innovation and technology at hand to increase their performance while delivering meaningful impacts and a better future for all.”
Company executives in attendance
From January 20 to 24, participants at WEF’s Annual Meeting can engage with Schneider Electric’s experts in both public and private panel discussions. These sessions will focus on practical strategies for implementation, return on investment, and real-world case studies that highlight the benefits and successes of sustainable projects.
- Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric
- Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman, Schneider Electric
- Aamir Paul, President of North America Operations, Schneider Electric
- Barbara Frei, EVP, Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric
- Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA & Member of the Executive Committee, Schneider Electric
- Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer, Schneider Electric
- Deepak Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, Zone President Greater India, Schneider Electric
- Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Data Centers & Networks, Schneider Electric
Masdar City, a leading hub for innovation and sustainability in Abu Dhabi, is proud to announce that Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), the UAE’s clean energy leader, will establish its new global headquarters at The Link, an innovative, 30,000-square-meter development that seamlessly integrates living and working spaces with advanced technological infrastructure. The agreement underscores the continued synergy between the two entities and reinforces Masdar City’s position as a leading hub for sustainable business and innovation.
The announcement was formalized through an agreement signed during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brings together global leaders in Abu Dhabi to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.
The Link is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development, and its components comply with comprehensive sustainability criteria. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the mixed-use development comprises five commercial and residential buildings including the first net-zero energy shared working and living facilities under one roof in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Mahmoud Al Hosani, Executive Director, Finance and Support service of Masdar City, said: ” Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) move to establish its headquarters at The Link is a strong endorsement of Masdar City’s value proposition for businesses seeking a sustainable and innovative environment. The relocation reinforces the shared commitment of the two entities to driving sustainable development in the UAE and globally.”
Tareq Al Qubali, Executive Director, People and Corporate Services of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), said: “The establishment of Masdar’s global headquarters at The Link represents a significant milestone in our journey. By relocating to this state-of-the-art, net-zero energy development, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also demonstrating the synergy between our vision and the values that Masdar City embodies. This move will serve as a foundation for us to continue driving impactful change locally, regionally, and globally.”
Designed as a central node connecting various modes of transport and all areas of Masdar City, The Link fosters a unique community by integrating offices, residential areas, co-working spaces, a visitor center, and a multi-use hall to create a diverse and active community for all demographics. The development incorporates innovative design features to minimize its environmental footprint, and is being constructed to LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama and LEED SmartPark Silver standards.
Masdar’s capacity up by 150% to over 50GW in two years cementing place as global clean energy leader
Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader – has announced that it has significantly increased its overall renewable energy capacity by 150 percent to 51GW by the end of 2024, up from 20GW in 2022. This achievement establishes Masdar as a global clean energy leader and well on track to achieving its ambitious target of 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030
Masdar’s operational, under construction and advanced pipeline capacity grew from 20GW to 51GW between 2022 and the end of 2024. It comes as Masdar’s portfolio of operational, under construction and committed capacity also rose in just 12 months from 16.5GW to 32.6GW by end of 2024.
In 2024 alone, Masdar deployed close to $8 billion in equity investments and secured more than $4.5 billion of project financing across nine countries, enabling the development of projects totaling over 6.5GW of new capacity. These accomplishments reflect Masdar’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio while driving the global energy transformation.
Masdar’s growth was advanced by landmark acquisitions in Greece, Spain and the United States, strengthening the company’s presence in Europe and North America, as well as breaking ground on seven major projects worldwide. These included two BESS projects in the UK, two solar projects in Azerbaijan with a combined capacity of 760MW, and the 1.5GW Al Ajban Solar Project in the UAE.
Masdar also announced the financial close of six projects, including the 1.1GW Al Henakiyah Solar Power Plant and multi-utility AMAALA sustainable project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as 760MW solar projects Bilasuvar and Neftchala in Azerbaijan.
Additionally, Masdar signed a Power Purchase Agreement in December 2024 for the 2GW Sadawi project in Saudi Arabia, and inaugurated the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm in Uzbekistan, now the largest operation in Central Asia.
The company successfully issued its second green bond, raising $1 billion, with a 4.6x oversubscription underscoring strong investor confidence in Masdar’s vision and performance. It came after Fitch upgraded Masdar’s credit rating to AA- from A+, demonstrating the confidence in the health of the company’s finances.
His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, said: “With the steadfast support of the UAE Leadership, Masdar has grown over the last two decades from a pioneer in clean energy to one of the world’s biggest renewable energy companies. In 2024, we made significant progress by increasing our overall capacity to 51GW, more than half-way to meeting our 100GW by 2030 target. This is testament to a balanced growth strategy combining smart acquisitions and project development in our bid to become the world leader in clean energy. We are committed to the UAE Consensus and the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 in our mission to supercharge the global energy transformation and ensure sustainable progress for all.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “Masdar’s journey in 2024 represents the power of bold ambition paired with strategic action. By more than doubling our capacity in just two years, we have not only established our position as the world’s pure-play renewables leader but have expanded our ambition with key strategic acquisitions in the United States, Spain and Greece. We have also achieved significant progress on major projects worldwide, as we help to accelerate the global energy transformation. We are not only reaching milestones but setting new benchmarks for the industry as we work towards our 100GW target and cementing our reputation as the world’s trusted clean energy partner.”
Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030.
Masdar City has officially launched testing of cutting-edge autonomous vehicles as part of its ambitious vision to redefine sustainable urban transportation.
This initiative, highlighted during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), reinforces Masdar City’s position as a global leader in sustainable innovation.
As the Strategic Partner of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Masdar City is showcasing its autonomous vehicle initiatives, engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and visionaries to create a greener and more connected future.
The first vehicle undergoing testing is a shuttle-style electric vehicle equipped with advanced LIDAR sensors, electronic components, and innovative software that enable it to navigate obstacles, detect other vehicles, and drive independently. These trials represent just the beginning of a series of tests featuring vehicles from multiple global brands. Masdar City plans to deploy a fleet of seven advanced autonomous vehicles, carefully selected based on these tests, to align with its zero-emission transportation goals.
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said, “These tests mark a significant step toward creating a truly sustainable transportation ecosystem. By collaborating with global innovators, we aim to position Masdar City as a global benchmark for zero-emission autonomous mobility. Testing a diverse range of self-driving technologies will help us identify the best solutions for our community and beyond.”
The initiative is part of Masdar City’s larger strategy to establish a fleet of autonomous vehicles that align with its zero-emission transportation goals. This includes plans to test multiple advanced mobility solutions from various global companies. Solution+, the official fleet operator, is partnering with Masdar City to oversee operations as part of the city’s growing autonomous vehicle network.
The Mobility Cluster at Masdar City serves as a dynamic hub for advancing sustainable and autonomous mobility solutions. It brings together global industry leaders, regulators, and innovators to create cutting-edge technologies that redefine urban transport. Masdar City is also home to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI), further solidifying its role as a leader in the research, development, and deployment of next-generation mobility solutions. This ecosystem fosters collaboration, facilitates the testing of new concepts, and accelerates the deployment of transformative mobility solutions tailored to the Middle East’s unique environment. By leveraging its Mobility Cluster, Masdar City continues to lead in smart and sustainable urban transport.
Today, ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, leader in energy transition, and first mover into green hydrogen, announced its formal entry into China’s renewable energy market with investment agreements for over 1GW of projects across multiple provinces. This milestone marks a key step in ACWA Power’s China Strategy that was launched in 2023.
Solidifying its partnerships with prominent Chinese renewable energy developers, ACWA Power’s first agreement with Sungrow Renewables—a subsidiary of its long-term supply chain partner—will see the development of a 132 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) portfolio in Guangdong province. This project, consisting of three individual sites, marks ACWA Power’s first asset-level cooperation with Sungrow Renewables.
The second agreement is with Mingyang Smart Energy Group, a leading renewable asset developer and wind turbine manufacturer. It established the foundation for both parties to jointly develop and invest in China’s wind energy assets, with a starting portfolio of 200 MW. The combined investment for the two portfolios (Sungrow and Mingyang) amounts to USD 312 million.
These projects are part of an initial batch that will gradually expand to over 1GW capacity, solidifying ACWA Power’s operational presence in China’s renewable energy sector.
Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power, said: ” This is a momentous occasion for ACWA Power. Our entry into China’s renewable energy markets is a significant stride towards our global vision of a sustainable future. Ultimately, our growth strategy is more than just adding megawatts; it’s about building enduring partnerships that accelerate the global energy transition and contribute to a cleaner, more prosperous world for future generations.”
From his side, Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power, said: “This is a significant step for ACWA Power in China, establishing our operational presence in the renewable energy sector, water desalination and demonstrating our commitment to the market. We are excited to play a key role in China’s clean energy and water transition, working alongside our Chinese partners to achieve shared sustainability goals. We are not just investing in renewable energy projects but in Chinese expertise and building long-term relationships within the country.”
These projects highlight ACWA Power’s commitment to its China Strategy, which aims to significantly expand its presence in the country. By 2030, ACWA Power plans to triple its assets under management to about USD 250 billion globally.
Pioneering, female-driven sustainability solutions from more than 12 countries spanning the Americas, UK, Europe, Asia, and Africa, will be rolled out this month at the Climate Innovations Exchange (CLX), a flagship event of the World Future Energy Summit, which is hosted by Masdar and part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Women visionaries and female-centric, founded, or run startups with groundbreaking answers to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges will be looking to connect with investors and partners through the CLIX programme and showcase from January 14-16, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. A total of 35 startups are confirmed to attend next week’s event in the CLIX lineup and will be given the opportunity to present their solutions to global investors on a dedicated stage.
The startup support from the World Future Energy Summit of comes in response to a pivotal UN report highlighting the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women and girls. The report detailed how women, particularly in rural areas, bear the brunt of climate-related challenges, recognising women’s unique vulnerability but also their potential as agents of change.
While challenges remain, momentum in highlighting women in energy is gathering pace – from showcasing their value in leadership, innovation, and technical roles within the sector. The World Future Energy Summit created CLIX, which focuses on sustainability and innovation, is the platform to shine the spotlight on women in energy.
By celebrating female pioneers and showcasing their achievements, it is hoped CLIX will inspire more women to pursue careers in this dynamic field. With efforts such as mentorship programmes, policies focused on inclusivity, and initiatives like CLIX, the energy industry is steadily moving toward greater gender parity, unlocking the potential of a more balanced and innovative workforce.
CLIX, supported by knowledge partner UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), acts as a catalyst for fostering transformative technology-based solutions to address climate challenges. From leveraging robotics to next-generation waste recycling and microbial technology, the 2025 exchange will move the dial in the global shift toward sustainability and help promote greater energy access to all by lasering on women-centric businesses.
“We are honoured to partner with CLIX and CLIXai, extending our expertise to innovative startups from across the globe. Climate startups face distinct challenges, operating at the intersection of multiple industries, and requiring careful orchestration among diverse stakeholders. At UICCA, we are committed to advancing climate innovations by cultivating an ecosystem that delivers strategic guidance, expert mentorship, and vital connections to capital, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders. I look forward to engaging with the entrepreneurs and their innovative climate solutions that will be showcased next week at the Summit,” said Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of UICCA.
UICCA’s Launchpad Programme aims to create a fast-track pathway for promising green startups and SMEs to operate and scale in the UAE. The Launchpad provides startups with tailored mentorship, support with UAE market entry, regulatory guidance, and access to the investor community. Each cycle of the programme focuses on a different theme aligned with the UAE’s climate priorities. Some of the startups from their recent cohort will also be showcasing at the World Future Energy Summit this year.
UICCA is also one of the official regional nominators for the Earthshot Prize, a global environmental award that is rewarded to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism, with each winner receiving a grant of US$1.23 million to continue their environmental work.
“The high level of female participation – currently standing at approximately 39 per cent of our speaker cast, up from 22 per cent last year – directly supports our carefully curated CLIX initiative, which will highlight the critical role women play in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability through technology, innovation, and ingenuity,” said Leen AlSebai, General Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit.
Those demonstrating cutting-edge technologies include UK-based Cauli Box, with a view to making an impact on the Middle East’s expansive F&B market. Cauli Box is now Britain’s largest reuse solution provider, offering reusable takeaway containers and a digital platform to facilitate zero-waste food delivery and takeaway services.
“We provide software- and hardware as a service and are on track to prevent up to 10 million pieces of single-use packaging by end-2025, with an industry-leading return rate of over 99.5 per cent,” said co-founder Mingqiao Zhao.
Another UK-based startup – 29acacia – is hoping CLIX will deliver a market entry into the Middle East and North Africa for its first scalable cotton and viscose replacements made from up to 100 per cent agricultural banana waste – saving on land, water, energy and pesticide uses and cutting market prices by almost two thirds.
“People are often surprised to discover that the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10 per cent of global CO2 emissions. That’s more than the entire annual emissions of the UK, France and Germany combined. As such, it’s essential that the fashion industry, including innovators like 29 Acacia, is at the table for conversations about energy. World Future Energy Summit provides a platform for the diversity of knowledge sharing necessary to solve the world’s global environmental crises, and we’re excited to meet collaborators and investors in the UAE who are aligned with our ambitious sustainable mission,” explained Founder and CEO Sarah Angold.
Additionally, CLIX 2025 highlights include a bio-inspired robotic fish delivering real-time water quality data for marine conservation; zero-carbon concrete set to revolutionise construction; sustainable milk proteins crafted without cows; luxury textiles produced from agricultural banana waste; algae-based coatings which transform buildings into carbon sequestration assets and AI-powered irrigation solutions optimising water usage for sustainable agriculture.
“By showcasing these extraordinary solutions, we demonstrate how innovation can reshape the future, turning challenges into opportunities,” added AlSebai.
CLIX 2025 also features CLIX AI, a dedicated showcase for artificial intelligence-driven innovations. Highlights include technologies enabling smarter recycling, energy-efficient building systems, and precision agriculture. Brazil’s Umgrauemeio will be scouting for partners for its Pantera integrated solution, which uses artificial intelligence and high-resolution cameras for rapid wildfire detection. This solution enables swift action to protect forests and agricultural lands and reduce CO2 emissions globally.
“We are targeting markets involved in forest conservation, agriculture, and environmental protection, collaborating with private companies, governments, and public-private partnerships to bring our innovative solutions to the forefront,” said Eimi Arikawa, the company’s Chief of Revenue Officer.
CLIX is an integral part of the World Future Energy Summit, which brings together the brightest minds in climate innovation. The event is dedicated to addressing the planet’s most critical environmental challenges through technological breakthroughs and investment-driven collaboration.
Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the appointment of Nirupa Chander as Senior Vice President, Secure Power & Data Centers, International Operations.
In the role, Chander will lead a division of more than 700 professionals, supporting customers and partners in their digital transformation journeys and achieving their sustainability goals in an all-electric world across international zones, including MEA, EAP, Japan, India and South America.
Commenting on the appointment, Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Secure Power, Data Centers & Global Services, Schneider Electric said: “Understanding the complex and nuanced interplay between energy and data will be key to navigating the future of our industry. Chander’s experience and insight in this area will be invaluable in the ongoing digitalization of the energy sector and our increasingly digital world, especially.”
A veteran of the energy industry, Chander has extensive experience in energy grids, micro-grids, and automation, as well as project management, engineering, service and business development.
Beginning her career with India’s largest industrial electrical company, she progressed from project engineering roles through project management, and country manager roles with major engineering firms, such as ABB and Hitachi Energy, in Singapore and Australia before joining Schneider Electric in 2022 as Vice President of Power Systems for the Middle East and Africa.
“Early career experiences with controls and automation brought me into IT infrastructure, showing me how energy and data are increasingly intertwined. Working on microgrids highlighted the complexity of balancing the grid with energy storage technology and renewables — insights now applicable to creating sustainable data centers,” Chander said, commenting on her appointment.
“It is exciting to see the strong coupling between data and energy, and I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills to this evolving field, especially with the anticipated growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the industry.”
Chander holds a degree in Engineering from Gujarat University in Electronics and is a certified project management professional. She is a graduate of leadership programs from both the Wharton School and INSEAD Executive Education.