Abu Dhabi’s clean energy revolution: a decade of transformation in five years

The Emirate has achieved a remarkable energy transition, with renewable and clean power generation surging more than tenfold since 2020, now accounting for nearly half of all electricity produced.

The scale of Abu Dhabi’s energy transformation over the past five years stands as testament to the vision and disciplined execution that characterises the Emirate’s approach to sustainability. Renewable and clean energy generation has increased by over 1,000 per cent between 2020 and 2025, rising from approximately 4,100 gigawatt hours to more than 49,300 gigawatt hours. Where clean electricity once represented less than 5 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s total power generation, it now accounts for almost 46 per cent.

This remarkable progress reflects a diversified strategy spanning three complementary technologies. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first nuclear facility in the Arab world, brought its four units online progressively between 2020 and 2024, establishing a continuous source of emissions-free baseload power essential to grid stability. Simultaneously, two of the world’s largest single-site solar installations came into operation: Al Dhafra Solar PV and Noor Abu Dhabi, transforming Abu Dhabi’s renewable capacity at scale.

Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of Emirates Water and Electricity Company, reflects on the achievement: “The scale of progress achieved over the past five years demonstrates the impact of EWEC’s long-term planning and the disciplined integration of a diversified renewable and clean energy portfolio. By integrating nuclear, solar and wind generation into the UAE’s electricity system at scale, we are reducing carbon intensity while maintaining the reliability and security of supply needed to support the UAE’s continued economic growth.”

The momentum extends beyond current capacity. EWEC forecasts power and water emissions will fall by over 45 per cent by 2035, as solar capacity, battery storage and advanced desalination technologies continue to scale. This trajectory supports the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The Emirate’s progress reflects a commitment to maintaining supply security whilst advancing environmental stewardship. The integration of these renewable and clean sources into the electricity system at scale demonstrates that emissions reduction and economic growth need not be opposing forces; rather, they represent complementary objectives achievable through considered long-term planning and technological investment.

Source: Emirates Water and Electricity Company, via WAM