New details about the massive $25 billion UAE-US partnership reveal plans to provide all-day power for data centres and meet the rapidly growing needs of energy-intensive technology industries, mainly in the US.
Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund ADQ and US private equity firm Energy Capital Partners (ECP) announced the 50-50 partnership on Wednesday, launched with an initial combined contribution of $5 billion. This will go towards creating 25 gigawatts-worth of new-build power generation and energy infrastructure with capital investments of more than $25 billion over the next five years.
"The project will explore the potential of adding 24/7 renewable power to the energy mix in the future," an ADQ representative told The National in a written statement. For now, it will primarily focus on "gas-fired power generation assets that can meet the growing needs of hyperscalers and other energy-intensive industries". This will provide "new power" directly to data centres and other projects, rather than supplying greater power grids, in high-need areas in the US.
Rapid demand
Data centres – used to power advanced AI technology – alone consumed 4.4 per cent of total US electricity in 2023. That figure could reach 12 per cent by 2028, according to a US Department of Energy (DOE) report published last December.
This growth is exemplified by recent major US projects including a $20 billion investment by the Dubai real estate developer Damac Properties in January. The investment will support "massive new data centres" in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, said Donald Trump, who was the president-elect at the time.
"We are focusing on north-east and south-west demand pockets in the United States and expect to sign the first PPA [power purchase agreement] within the next 12 months," the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund said in a statement. The power projects will provide bespoke energy solutions to customers by working with data centre operators and their tenants alike to identify their needs and build power-generation assets that fulfil their requirements, it added.
ADQ, which focuses on critical infrastructure and supply chains, has a footprint in over 130 countries through the operations of its portfolio companies, including the US, in sectors including health care and agriculture. The wealth fund manages $225 billion in assets as of June last year. Energy and utilities make up 39 per cent of the global investor's portfolio.
US-UAE synergy
The ADQ-ECP deal comes alongside the visit to the US of the UAE's National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed. Mr Trump said discussions with Sheikh Tahnoon, who chairs ADQ, centred on efforts to strengthen co-operation on the economy and technology.
The two leaders discussed improving ties in sectors such as artificial intelligence and infrastructure, according to the UAE state news agency Wam, on Wednesday. Last week, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber said the Emirates views the US as a major business partner in energy and technology, during a keynote address at the annual global energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Texas.
Dr Al Jaber, who is also Adnoc's managing director and group chief executive, unveiled what he called the world's first renewable and battery storage facility at the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January.
Abu Dhabi clean energy technology Masdar is able to combine 5 gigawatts of solar capacity with 19 gigawatt hours of battery storage to produce one gigawatt of "uninterrupted clean power", he said at the time. The technology can provide this continuous stream of power at scale and around the clock in the UAE capital and transform renewable energy into a reliable baseload energy for the first time, he added.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace
Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results Lost to Oman by eight runs Beat Namibia by three wickets Lost to Oman by 12 runs Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto On sale: Now Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The biog
Family: Parents and four sisters
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah
A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls
Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction
Favourite holiday destination: Italy
Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning
Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes
Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure
