Clean Energy Pact Between Masdar And Octopus To Boost UK And Africa Power Grids

Abu Dhabi Future Energy PJSC – Masdar and Octopus Energy have signed two new Memoranda of Understanding covering projects in the UK and across Africa. The agreements, concluded during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE, aim to unlock extra grid capacity for UK data centres and expand clean energy supply for commercial and industrial users in African markets.

The partnership addresses two linked challenges: long delays for renewable energy projects to secure UK grid connections, and persistent underinvestment in electricity networks across Africa. By combining Masdar’s project development experience with Octopus Energy’s technology platforms, both companies plan to speed up clean power deployment while supporting economic activity in several regions at the same time.

In the UK, many renewable schemes wait years for grid connection slots, while data centres search for large, reliable power sources. Masdar and Octopus Energy intend to pinpoint unused capacity within the existing distribution network and build local smart energy systems around those locations, using on-site solar power, battery storage and flexible grid links to serve data-intensive operations.

Octopus Energy will apply its Kraken-powered optimisation technology to manage each site’s power flows in real time. The platform will balance electricity from on-site generation, battery systems and the wider grid. This approach is designed to guarantee uptime for AI-focused data centre workloads while reducing operating costs by shifting demand towards periods with lower wholesale prices.

The second MoU focuses on scaling clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial users across Africa, using the continent’s extensive solar and wind potential. Masdar and Octopus Energy plan to roll out local grids and distributed energy systems that can support jobs and industrial growth. Initial projects will be developed in South Africa, with expansion to additional African countries planned shortly after.

These African programmes seek to address limited investment in grids, flexibility services and system integration, which often restrict business growth. Masdar is targeting work with Octopus Energy on its Power Africa Initiative, part of Global Citizen’s wider "Scaling Up Renewables in Africa Campaign". This initiative aims to mobilise $450 million for grids, distributed assets and technologies that bring clean electricity directly to homes and companies.

Masdar and Octopus Energy outline vision for global clean energy

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, "Masdar and Octopus Energy share a commitment to overcoming challenges, expanding access to renewable energy, and powering progress across the globe. Through these agreements, we continue to reimagine the potential of renewables in the AI era, while also bringing much-needed clean energy to communities and businesses across Africa. We look forward to extending our partnership with Octopus Energy and transforming the energy market in the UK and in Africa."

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, said, "This is a huge partnership and exactly what we need to move faster. Masdar is world-class in its vision and capabilities, and like us they’re focused on finding ways for renewables to deliver real value to countries and citizens. "This is about delivering projects that make energy cheaper, cleaner, and unlock real opportunities for businesses and industry."

Masdar and Octopus Energy already collaborate in the UK. In 2023, Masdar signed a framework agreement to license Octopus Energy’s Kraken technology platform to manage Masdar’s battery storage portfolio flexibly. The latest MoUs build on that relationship, extending cooperation from storage assets into data centre power solutions and African clean energy projects, with Abu Dhabi playing a coordinating role for regional and international activity.

With inputs from WAM