Octopus and Masdar forge strategic pact to turbocharge clean energy systems in the UK and Africa

• Partnership aims to free up UK grid capacity and accelerate clean energy for AI data centres, powered by Octopus’s smart tech
• Masdar is joining Octopus in unlocking massive renewable energy opportunities across Africa

Abu Dhabi / London, 21 January 2026 – Octopus Energy, the global energy tech disruptor, has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Abu Dhabi Future Energy PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, for initiatives in the UK and Africa.

Octopus and Masdar will look to work together to free up hidden capacity across the UK’s distribution network to power the next generation of data centres. The companies signed the agreements during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE.

The UK is facing an unprecedented crunch on grid connections, with renewable energy projects often waiting years to be plugged in.

At the same time, electricity demand is soaring, with data centres requiring access to immense power sources, which can take years to secure.

Octopus and Masdar’s new model flips that challenge on its head, by identifying pockets of available capacity in the UK’s distribution network and designing smart, local energy systems around them.

By combining on-site solar, batteries and flexible grid connections, the data centres will be able to unlock the power they need far sooner, without lengthy network delays.

Octopus’s Kraken-powered technology will intelligently balance on-site generation, batteries and grid power to guarantee uptime for energy-hungry AI workloads – while driving costs down by shifting consumption to cheaper periods.

Under the second MoU, Masdar and Octopus will partner to scale clean energy across Africa, harnessing the continent’s vast solar and wind resources for commercial and industrial (C&I) users.

The collaboration will deploy local grids and distributed energy systems that support jobs, productivity, and industrial growth, addressing one of the biggest roadblocks facing African businesses: underinvestment in grids, flexibility, and system integration.

Masdar will collaborate with Octopus on scaling these projects, initially in South Africa, with plans to extend to other countries soon.

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.”

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.”

Masdar is targeting to work with Octopus on its Power Africa Initiative. Part of Global Citizens' massive ‘Scaling Up Renewables in Africa Campaign’, the initiative aims to catalyse $450 million in investments across a range of clean-energy solutions, including grids, distributed assets and technologies that deliver clean power directly to homes and businesses and boost African economies.

Masdar signed a framework agreement in 2023 to license Octopus’ Kraken technology platform to flexibly manage its battery storage portfolio in the UK.

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Notes to editors:

Masdar already has a strong presence in Africa, with its Infinity Power joint venture being the largest renewable energy provider on the continent. Infinity Power has an operational portfolio of 1.3 gigawatts (GW) across Egypt, South Africa and Senegal, and is targeting 10 GW of capacity by 2030.

With Masdar having a total portfolio capacity of over 65 GW worldwide, and targeting 100 GW by 2030, the partnership with Octopus will have the scale and credibility to deliver solutions quickly and provide confidence to other investors and investable projects.

Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation and Musain Al Meer, Director Global Offshore Wind & UK at Masdar, signed both MoUs at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Press Contacts

Octopus Energy Group

press@octoenergy.com

+44 (0)20 4530 8369

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar

press@masdar.ae

About Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to 11 million households globally.

The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £7 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.

Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide.

For more information, check out our website.

About Masdar

Established in 2006, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is leading the global energy transformation by investing in, developing and operating renewable energy projects that deliver commercial returns while providing reliable, affordable, clean power worldwide.

With over 20 years’ experience in renewables, Masdar has a diverse, derisked portfolio totaling over 65 gigawatts (GW) across six continents, including the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

Jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC and Mubadala, Masdar is driving the scale-up of renewables worldwide, targeting a portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030.

For more information, please visit: www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/Masdar.ae and twitter.com/Masdar.