Barakah Nuclear Plant and solar projects drive Abu Dhabi’s energy transformation.
The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has reported that clean and renewable energy generation in Abu Dhabi, from nuclear, solar and wind sources, increased by more than 1,000% between 2020 and 2025, underscoring the progress of the emirate’s energy transition strategy.
EWEC said the significant growth reflects its long-term approach to power generation planning and the successful integration of clean and renewable energy sources into Abu Dhabi’s electricity network.
Nuclear and solar projects drive growth
The gradual commissioning of all four units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant between 2020 and 2024 has established a reliable, emissions-free source of baseload electricity.
This has been further supported by the expansion of renewable energy capacity through major strategic projects, including the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant and Noor Abu Dhabi, two of the world’s largest single-site solar power plants.
Clean energy accounts for 46% of electricity generation
The latest consolidated operational data from EWEC show that clean and renewable energy sources now contribute approximately 46% of Abu Dhabi’s total electricity generation, compared with less than 5% in 2020.
Power generation from these sources surpassed 49,300 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2025, rising from around 4,100 GWh five years earlier.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Assets Officer at EWEC, said the progress made over the past five years highlights the value of the company’s long-term planning strategy and its work to build an integrated and diversified portfolio of clean and renewable energy sources.
He said the large-scale integration of nuclear, solar and wind power into the electricity system helps lower carbon emissions intensity while ensuring the reliability and security of supplies needed to sustain economic growth.
Al Marzooqi also reiterated EWEC’s commitment to increasing clean and renewable energy capacity and strengthening the resilience of the electricity system to support the long-term sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s energy sectors.
Advancing the UAE’s net-zero ambitions
EWEC said the continued expansion of clean and renewable energy projects will help Abu Dhabi meet the targets of its Clean Energy Strategy 2035 and support the UAE’s strategic ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The progress is also expected to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the energy transition.
