Masdar, the UAE’s leading renewable energy company, and UK-based energy and technology firm Octopus Energy have entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding renewable energy solutions for data centers in the UK and scaling clean energy initiatives across Africa.
The non-binding agreements seek to address key challenges in deploying renewable power, particularly in regions facing grid connection delays, and to promote sustainable energy development on the continent.
Under the first MoU, Masdar and Octopus will collaborate to identify underutilized capacity within local distribution networks in the UK. They plan to develop on-site energy systems combining solar power, battery storage, and flexible grid connections. This approach aims to enable data center operators to access reliable power more rapidly without waiting for costly grid upgrades. Octopus will leverage its Kraken-powered platform to optimize on-site assets and manage grid interactions, reducing costs by shifting demand to off-peak periods. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized their shared commitment to expanding renewable access and transforming energy markets, both in the UK and Africa.
The second MoU targets the deployment of distributed energy systems for commercial and industrial users in Africa, beginning in South Africa with plans to expand across the continent. This initiative aligns with Masdar’s Power Africa Initiative, which aims to mobilize $450 million for clean energy projects, including grid infrastructure and distributed generation.
Octopus CEO Greg Jackson highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This is a huge partnership and exactly what we need to move faster. Masdar’s vision and capabilities are world-class, and like us, they are focused on making renewables deliver real value to countries and citizens. This collaboration is about making energy cheaper, cleaner, and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and industry.”
The partnership builds on an existing relationship, with Masdar licensing Octopus’s Kraken platform in 2023 to manage its UK battery storage portfolio. Octopus Energy operates globally, providing renewable energy and developing advanced energy management software that optimizes electricity networks, batteries, and demand for utilities and large consumers. Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi, has approximately 65GW of operational renewable capacity and aims to reach 100GW by 2030. It has also signed several data center related deals, including a 2024 strategic collaboration with Microsoft alongside Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to explore low-carbon solutions for powering Microsoft’s global data center portfolio.
