A Dual Investment Strategy Targeting Energy Infrastructure

According to official stock exchange filings dated 10 September, approximately US$623 million has been earmarked for land acquisition, the construction of a new manufacturing facility, and the installation of production equipment. The primary objective is to expand production capacity for high-power generation engines. The facility is scheduled for completion in May 2028.

HD Hyundai stated that the investment is designed to respond to the expansion of the engine-based power generation market, driven by rising global electricity demand.

South Korean media reported that the shipbuilder plans to establish a production base for its HiMSEN engines in Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, with an annual production capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW).

HiMSEN is a four-stroke engine developed by HD Hyundai. It features a lightweight, high-power, and high-efficiency design, with a broad range of models capable of operating on diesel and natural gas. HD Hyundai plans to increase its total HiMSEN engine production capacity from the current 3 GW per year to 7.2 GW by 2030.

Dedicated SMR Manufacturing Facility in the Pipeline

Separately, around US$178 million will be invested in the construction of a dedicated SMR manufacturing facility, supporting HD Hyundai’s entry into the major equipment manufacturing business for small modular reactors. Construction of this facility is expected to be completed by April 2029.

The Chosun Daily reported that the project is aimed at meeting surging electricity demand driven by the proliferation of AI data centres, which require stable and uninterrupted power supplies. Small modular reactors have emerged as a promising next-generation energy source in this context.

HD Hyundai has highlighted that it is accelerating its investment in SMR technology development, “positioning the company at the forefront of next-generation clean energy innovation.”

A Growing Partnership with TerraPower

HD Hyundai’s engagement in the small modular reactor space has been building steadily over recent years. In November 2022, the company invested US$30 million in TerraPower, a leading US-based SMR company founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

In March 2025, HD Hyundai signed an agreement with TerraPower to expand the manufacturing supply chain for the commercialisation of Natrium reactors. Further reinforcing this relationship, the shipbuilder was named the preferred bidder to manufacture and supply key equipment for TerraPower’s Natrium reactors last May.

The HD Hyundai SMR initiative, backed by this multi-hundred-million-dollar commitment and its deepening collaboration with TerraPower, reflects the company’s clear intention to position itself as a substantial player in the global clean energy manufacturing landscape.

One example is the Sinopec Xinjiang Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project in Kuqa, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China’s first green hydrogen refining project has an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes and began production on June 30, 2023. Solar electricity generated across the Gobi desert is transmitted more than 20 kilometers to the hydrogen production facility, where it powers water electrolysis. The resulting hydrogen is then transported by pipeline to Tahe Refining & Chemical Company for use in refining, replacing natural gas previously used in the process. According to Li Ruixia, manager of the hydrogen energy management department at Sinopec Star New Energy Co., Ltd., the project can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 485,000 tonnes annually when operating at full capacity. Li said the project has operated safely and steadily for more than three years, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale industrial applications of green hydrogen. The China hydrogen industry is also extending the role of hydrogen beyond refining as renewable electricity becomes increasingly integrated with hydrogen production.

The potential applications include power generation, steelmaking and transportation. In Shandong province, a pure hydrogen shaft furnace demonstration line operated by China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group Co., Ltd. has achieved regular production of direct reduced iron with a metallization rate above 96 percent. The facility has also completed batch trial production of 3N-grade, or 99.9 percent, high-purity iron. In transportation, hydrogen fuel cell technology has expanded into buses, mining trucks, ships, drones and rail transit. During the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, 200 hydrogen-powered buses equipped with fuel cell systems developed by SPIC Hydrogen Energy under State Power Investment Corporation provided transportation services, covering more than 880,000 kilometers and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 620 tonnes.

By the end of 2025, China had recorded nearly 40,000 cumulative sales of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and built 574 hydrogen refueling stations with a combined daily refueling capacity of more than 360 tonnes. Annual green hydrogen production capacity had reached about 250,000 tonnes, while green hydrogen had begun replacing conventional fuels in some refining and coal chemical processes. National energy planning is also giving hydrogen a larger role in the country’s future energy system. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) identifies hydrogen as a key area for future industries, while the plan for building a new energy system during the same period includes hydrogen within the non-fossil energy supply system and sets a target of producing 2 million tonnes of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The China hydrogen industry nevertheless continues to face high production costs, limited economic viability and incomplete market and pricing mechanisms. Continued advances in solar and wind power, along with improvements in electrolyzers and fuel cells and reductions in technology costs, are expected to support wider commercial use of green hydrogen.

The document highlights that the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is projected to exceed 2.8 billion kW by the end of the decade, with annual generation from these sources surpassing 4 trillion kWh. This roadmap for renewable energy development also specifies that the total scale of renewable energy used for non-power purposes will increase 2.5-fold compared to 2025 levels, reaching an equivalent of 150 million tonnes of standard coal. To support this growth, the plan mandates the addition of more than 300 million kW of new reliable peak power capacity, while the scale of newly commenced offshore wind power projects nationwide is expected to reach 100 million kW.

Diversification of the Energy Mix and Ecological Integration

China’s 2030 targets extend beyond wind and solar to include a diversified portfolio of hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and marine energy. Conventional hydropower installed capacity is expected to reach 410 million kW by 2030, as the country balances development with ecological protection and the requirements of flood control, irrigation, and navigation. Furthermore, the plan sets specific targets for emerging sectors, including 15 million kW of solar thermal power, 400,000 kW of marine energy capacity, and approximately 160 million kW of pumped storage power capacity. Officials noted that the objective is to create an electricity generation mix featuring “half non-fossil fuels, nearly half renewable energy, and 30 percent new energy sources.”

The policy differentiates between “renewable energy,” which encompasses all naturally replenishing sources including hydropower, and “new energy,” which refers to all renewable sources excluding hydropower. This distinction is central to the country’s strategy of ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy substitution. The NEA emphasized that the transition will prioritize quality and reliability to ensure that green power can effectively replace fossil-fuel-based generation while maintaining grid stability across the national power system.

International Cooperation and Standardization

In addition to domestic expansion, the plan emphasizes China’s role in global energy transition through international cooperation and the alignment of technical standards. The document states that China will actively facilitate the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products in the global market. The government intends to support various institutions and enterprises in deepening their involvement in the development of international standards and certification systems. By advancing the internationalization of its renewable energy technologies and management norms, China aims to promote the mutual recognition of certification results across global markets.

The document further outlines China’s commitment to participating in global governance regarding green and low-carbon development. Adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the country will tailor its cooperation with partner nations to local conditions, focusing on energy transition and green energy technologies. This collaborative approach is designed to address the challenges of climate change collectively while supporting a global transition toward green and low-carbon energy. By fostering these international alignments, China seeks to ensure that its domestic industrial advancements contribute to a broader international low-carbon economy.

Strategic Financing and Global Partnerships

The extensive banking consortium involved in this financial close includes Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank of China, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. Additional support was provided by Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KfW IPEX-Bank, Natixis, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Societe Generale. By coordinating this large-scale consortium, Masdar has demonstrated its capacity to attract significant international investment for critical green infrastructure.

Mazin Khan, the Chief Financial Officer of Masdar, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating that the successful financial close demonstrates the company’s ability to mobilize global capital for large scale renewable energy infrastructure while supporting long term economic growth and energy security. He further emphasized that the organization is prepared to move forward with the Abu Dhabi Solar Project to deliver “reliable, affordable and clean electricity around the clock.”

Technical Specifications and Operational Timeline

The Abu Dhabi Solar Project is designed to combine 5.2 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system. This integration will allow the facility to supply 1 GW of continuous renewable power, effectively enabling round-the-clock clean electricity generation. Construction activities for the site began in October 2025, and the project is currently on track to reach commercial operations by 2027. To ensure high-quality execution, Sungrow and BYD have been appointed to supply the battery energy storage systems, while JinkoSolar and JA Solar will serve as the preferred module suppliers, each contributing 2.6 GW of solar modules.

This development is a vital component of Masdar’s expanding global renewable energy portfolio, which currently exceeds 65 GW across various sectors including wind and battery storage. The successful advancement of this project supports the company’s strategic objective to increase its total renewable energy capacity to 100 GW by the end of the decade.

Strategic Infrastructure in Sohar

The initial phase of the development in the coastal city of Sohar includes a desalination plant with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters per day. This facility will provide a reliable source of desalinated water for port operations and industrial consumers, meeting the rising demand for essential resources in the region. To power these processes, the infrastructure platform will utilize 250 MW of floating solar capacity. This method of installing solar panels on water surfaces minimizes land requirements and generates clean electricity efficiently. The project also incorporates a 100 MWh battery energy storage system to stabilize the power supply and manage surplus renewable energy generated by the solar installation.

Green Hydrogen and Future Sustainability

In addition to power and water, the site will feature a 50 MW green hydrogen unit. This facility will produce clean hydrogen using renewable energy, supporting future decarbonization efforts and industrial applications. By combining these technologies into a single infrastructure platform, the Sohar Integrated Energy project improves overall efficiency and significantly reduces carbon emissions. The project brings together engineering firms, financial institutions, technology providers, and energy developers to ensure robust water security and clean electricity for the region. This integrated approach ensures that industries have access to the resources needed for long-term expansion while lowering carbon emissions and supporting sustainable industrial growth across the coastal hub.

Current Infrastructure and Strategic Pillars

Despite the sector’s potential, the development of large-scale battery storage in the region has faced hurdles. Data from the Asian Development Bank indicates that by the end of 2024, Thailand operated only three utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects, totaling 184 MW of solar capacity and 345 MWh of battery storage. To accelerate progress, the government is implementing a four-pronged approach that includes smart grid integration, the development of local manufacturing supply chains, and market regulations reform. A key advancement in this area is the creation of direct power purchase agreements, which allow third-party grid access for large-scale consumers such as data centers, thereby opening new investment channels for developers. This Thailand energy storage initiative is expected to transform the local market by improving accessibility and boosting system adaptability.

Future Targets and Grid Integration

The forthcoming 2024 Power Development Plan (PDP), slated for publication in autumn 2026, will formalize the transition toward a 70% renewable energy target by 2050. Warit Rattanachuen, deputy governor for strategy at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), asserted that solar power represents the “most practical technology currently available” for Thailand to achieve these climate goals. To manage grid integration issues like generation curtailment, EGAT intends to deploy a mix of battery storage and pumped hydro energy storage. The draft PDP outlines a target of 10,485 MW of battery storage by 2037. By expanding smart grid capabilities and diversifying investment channels, Thailand aims to bolster its supply security. Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, director at the National Energy Technology Center, emphasized that this Thailand energy storage roadmap must be paired with the continued adoption of electrification technologies to ensure a robust and sustainable energy transition.

Collaborative Framework and Information Exchange

Under the terms of the new agreement, the regulatory bodies will engage in a wide range of collaborative activities. These include information exchange regarding gas and electricity markets, as well as joint research into regulatory design. The agencies plan to conduct technical exchanges and study visits to foster a deeper understanding of evolving energy landscapes. By aligning their Energy Market Rules, both nations aim to address the complexities of modern energy transitions. The EMA stated that these efforts are essential for maintaining robust regulation and effective surveillance practices as the industry continues to transform globally.

Puah Kok Keong emphasized that this cooperation is a vital component of the EMA’s strategy to ensure its regulation remains contemporary and effective. He noted that the ongoing dialogue between the two regulators will be furthered during the Regulators@SIEW event, which is scheduled to take place during the Singapore International Energy Week in October. Tatsuya Shinkawa highlighted that Japan and Singapore encounter similar structural issues within their energy sectors, particularly regarding the maintenance of a reliable gas supply and the operation of efficient electricity markets. He stated that the agreement would “strengthen cooperation, facilitate experience sharing and support consumer protection in both countries.” This collaborative approach is expected to enhance the stability of the regional energy infrastructure.

The document emphasizes a strategic transition that includes peaking the consumption of coal and oil during the 2026-30 period. Central to the China energy plan is the goal to double the contribution of non-fossil fuel sources over the upcoming decade through the advancement of technologies like nuclear fusion and hydrogen. To ensure energy security, the strategy outlines the continued development of a major natural gas pipeline from Russia alongside capacity increases for nuclear power, offshore wind, and pumped hydro storage. Specific infrastructure targets include reaching 160 gigawatts of pumped hydro capacity and 300 gigawatts of battery storage, supported by 50 gigawatts of virtual power plants designed for demand response. By 2030, the nation intends to reach 2 million tons of green hydrogen production capacity, which is nearly double the volume currently operational or under development.

Under the new guidelines, wind and solar power are expected to constitute more than 50% of the total installed power capacity across the nation. While the focus remains on renewables, fossil fuel management remains a priority with oil output maintained at approximately 200 million tons annually and natural gas production slated for a steady increase. The government intends to rationally organize the construction of natural gas power plants and encourage the domestic manufacture of gas turbines. Furthermore, the plan calls for the creation of a coal production buffer exceeding 100 million tons per year, ensuring that capacity is ready for extraction whenever necessary. Looking toward long term innovation, the scheme also prioritizes the development of space-based power plants, superconducting transmission, and further research into nuclear fusion to sustain future energy needs.

Upon its completion, the facility is expected to generate sufficient clean electricity to supply approximately 880,000 households in southern Kazakhstan, effectively preventing roughly 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The project also involves the installation of over 400 km of overhead transmission lines to upgrade the regional grid infrastructure. Concurrently, Masdar entered into a roadmap agreement with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to pursue Kazakhstan’s first Round-the-Clock (RTC) clean energy initiative. This RTC project aims to provide 24/7 utility-scale power, with an initial 200MW phase dedicated to supporting the country’s AI ambitions through data centres and infrastructure.

Nurlan Zhakupov, Chief Executive Officer of Samruk-Kazyna, said, “We are proud to launch this landmark project together with Masdar, marking an important milestone in our strategic partnership. The 1GW wind farm opens a new chapter in the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates and reflects our shared commitment to advancing a low-carbon economy, deploying innovative technologies and building a sustainable energy future for Kazakhstan.” Following this, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Kazakhstan Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, “Our partnership with Masdar drives renewable energy development and propels Kazakhstan toward carbon neutrality. This project will strengthen regional energy security and bring cutting-edge technologies to the renewable energy sector. We appreciate our partners’ commitment to investing in the country’s sustainable development and will provide all the necessary support to ensure the successful delivery of every project phase.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, noted, “This project represents a significant step forward in Masdar’s global expansion and our growing presence in Central Asia. As our first project in Kazakhstan, it bolsters our leading position in the region and reflects our commitment to enhancing the country’s long-term growth and energy security. We are also delighted to sign a roadmap agreement to expand the deployment of Round-the-Clock renewable energy solution in Kazakhstan, helping to provide the industries of the future with the reliable, affordable, clean power that they need.” Furthermore, Engineer Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding, commented, “This groundbreaking marks another milestone in Alpha Dhabi’s strategy to position climate investment as a core driver of sustainable growth. Through our partnership with Masdar and our subsidiary W Solar, we are demonstrating that the UAE’s leadership in clean energy extends far beyond our borders; mobilising capital, expertise, and long-term commitment to markets where the energy transition is accelerating. The wind project, combined with a battery energy storage system in the Zhambyl region, reflects our belief that patient, purpose-driven investment in clean infrastructure is the defining opportunity of our era and essential for long-term value creation.” This Kazakhstan wind farm aligns with the nation’s goal of reaching 15% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030 and 50% by 2050, supporting Masdar’s target to achieve 100GW of global portfolio capacity by 2030.

The project reflects China’s broader strategy to strengthen deep-sea offshore wind development as global energy systems increasingly shift toward cleaner power sources. Beyond lowering emissions from offshore oilfield operations, the platform is expected to support the development of the floating offshore wind supply chain across the Pearl River Delta while contributing to a cleaner, low-carbon and more efficient energy system. China has also advanced supporting infrastructure this year, including the completion of the offshore floatover installation of the world’s largest offshore converter station, “Heart of Sea Wind,” in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province. The converter station is entering its final commissioning stage and will play a key role in transmitting electricity generated by large-scale offshore wind farms to the mainland grid.

Industry experts said offshore wind remains an important contributor to China’s low-carbon transition because projects located near coastal demand centers provide clean electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. They also noted that as nearshore development opportunities become more limited, the industry is increasingly moving into deeper waters where wind resources are stronger. According to the National Energy Administration, China’s installed power generation capacity reached 4.01 billion kilowatts by the end of May, while installed wind power capacity increased 17 percent year on year to 660 million kilowatts. A separate industry report released in Shanghai on June 17 further highlighted China’s leadership, showing that the country accounted for 78 percent of newly grid-connected offshore wind capacity worldwide during 2025, reinforcing the significance of the floating wind platform in advancing commercial deployment.