Abu Dhabi’s Taqa Strengthens Global Foothold with Acquisition of UK-Based Transmission Investment

In a significant strategic move, Abu Dhabi’s utility major Taqa has acquired UK-based Transmission Investment (TI)—one of the country’s leading offshore electricity transmission players. The acquisition marks Taqa’s official entry into the UK’s power grid sector, bolstering its ambitions to become a global leader in high-voltage grid infrastructure and low-carbon solutions.

TI will now operate under Taqa Transmission, a subsidiary responsible for managing Taqa’s power and bulk water transmission network. The acquisition includes TI’s existing portfolio of 11 offshore transmission assets, valued at approximately AED 15 billion (GBP 3 billion).

“This deal allows us to leverage the significant capabilities of TI to support our international growth strategy while contributing to the UK’s 2050 Net Zero programme,” said Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei, CEO of Taqa Transmission.

Launched in 2009, TI has played a pivotal role in developing and operating offshore transmission owner (OFTO) assets in the UK. Through a consortium with Amber Infrastructure and International Public Partnerships (INPP), TI has built a strong track record in the competitive OFTO bidding space. Just last week, UK regulator Ofgem appointed the TI-led consortium as the preferred bidder for the Moray West OFTO project.

Expanding the Transmission Grid Strategy

Beyond offshore assets, Transmission Investment has also been active in major interconnector projects, including the FAB Link and LirIC Project, which aim to link the UK with France and Northern Ireland via subsea High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnectors with a combined capacity of nearly 2 GW. Both projects have been granted a cap-and-floor regulatory framework by Ofgem.

The LirIC Project recently passed key regulatory milestones with UK and Northern Ireland energy regulators, further positioning TI as a key player in cross-border grid connectivity.

Moreover, TI is eyeing grid stability and onshore transmission grid development, indicating its readiness to diversify and deepen its role in grid infrastructure both in the UK and internationally.

Taqa Transmission’s Expanding Global Grid Portfolio

With this acquisition, Taqa Transmission—already the largest transmission asset owner in the UAE—strengthens its presence in the UK, GCC, and North Africa. Earlier this year, it completed a landmark $3.8 billion subsea HVDC transmission project with ADNOC, laying 1,000 kilometers of cable to electrify and decarbonize offshore oil operations—a first in the MENA region.

Last year, the company also reached financial close for the Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir Project in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its position in utility transmission across sectors.

This latest UK acquisition affirms Taqa’s growing influence in building the future of low-carbon, high-capacity power transmission grids across global markets.