Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Generation Surges Over 1,000% To 49,300 GWh In 2025

EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has reported that renewable and clean energy generation in Abu Dhabi increased by more than 1,000 per cent between 2020 and 2025, highlighting the emirate’s progress in expanding low-carbon electricity generation and advancing its energy transition.

According to EWEC’s latest consolidated operational data, electricity generation from nuclear, solar and wind sources increased from approximately 4,100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2020 to more than 49,300 GWh in 2025. These sources now contribute almost 46 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s total electricity generation, compared with less than 5 per cent in 2020.

The growth reflects the impact of long-term energy planning and the expansion of large-scale clean energy infrastructure across the emirate. Over the past five years, Abu Dhabi has significantly increased its electricity generation capacity through the development of nuclear and solar power projects, supported by the integration of wind energy into its electricity system.

A major contributor to this growth has been the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world. Its four generating units were progressively brought online between 2020 and 2024, establishing a continuous source of emissions-free electricity. The facility has strengthened Abu Dhabi’s power supply while supporting efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of electricity generation.

Solar energy development has also played an important role in the emirate’s clean energy expansion. Projects such as Al Dhafra Solar PV and Noor Abu Dhabi have significantly increased the availability of renewable electricity. Both facilities are among the world’s largest single-site solar power generation plants and represent important milestones in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to scale up utility-scale solar energy.

Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said the progress achieved over the past five years demonstrates the impact of long-term planning and the integration of a diversified clean energy portfolio. He highlighted that combining nuclear, solar and wind generation at scale is helping reduce carbon intensity while maintaining electricity supply reliability and security.

He added that EWEC will continue advancing additional renewable and clean energy capacity, strengthening power system flexibility and supporting a more resilient and sustainable electricity system for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

The expansion also supports the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi. It contributes to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, reinforcing the country’s commitment to reducing emissions and expanding clean electricity generation.

Through continued investment in nuclear and renewable energy infrastructure, Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen its position in the global energy transition while supporting its growing electricity demand and long-term sustainability objectives.