TAQA Strengthens Global Transmission Portfolio with Acquisition of Leading UK Energy Firm, Transmission Investment
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (“TAQA” or “the Group”), one of the largest integrated utilities companies listed in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, has announced the successful acquisition of 100% of the UK-based company Transmission Investment (“TI”), a well-regarded energy and utilities platform specializing in offshore electricity transmission. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in TAQA’s long-term vision to expand its international footprint, drive the global energy transition, and become a leading player in low-carbon power and water solutions.
Founded in 2009, Transmission Investment has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost developers and operators of offshore electricity transmission (OFTO) assets. These critical systems connect offshore wind farms to the national power grid, serving as the backbone for renewable energy integration in the United Kingdom. Through its active involvement in 11 OFTO assets, TI currently manages an asset portfolio valued at approximately AED 15 billion (GBP £3 billion). The company has consistently demonstrated success in competitive bidding processes and has built strong partnerships, including a longstanding consortium with Amber Infrastructure and International Public Partnerships (INPP).
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
TAQA’s acquisition of TI not only provides immediate entry into the UK electricity transmission market but also allows the company to scale its operational and technical capabilities through the addition of TI’s experienced workforce. The acquisition brings more than 40 highly skilled full-time employees under the TAQA umbrella, each contributing deep expertise in technical development, asset management, and operations across the energy sector. This team will be integrated into TAQA Transmission, the newly launched brand and subsidiary responsible for TAQA’s high-voltage electricity and bulk water transmission infrastructure.
Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei, CEO of TAQA Transmission, emphasized the importance of grid development in achieving global sustainability goals, stating:
“Transmission grids are essential for enabling the global energy transition. IRENA estimates that from 2024 to 2030, around USD 717 billion per year must be invested in grid infrastructure and flexibility measures to align with a pathway that is compatible with a 1.5°C scenario. That is why we are pleased to announce TAQA Transmission’s first international acquisition, strengthening our growing portfolio and reinforcing TAQA’s role as a global leader in low-carbon power and water solutions.”
Dr. Al Yafei further noted that the acquisition would allow TAQA to leverage TI’s technical capabilities to expand internationally and support both TAQA’s strategic goals and the UK government’s 2050 Net Zero carbon emissions ambitions.
Transmission Investment’s Track Record
TI’s consistent performance in the UK offshore transmission sector reflects a strategic approach to asset development and operational excellence. The company has played a pivotal role in bringing competitive, reliable transmission solutions to market and has demonstrated an OFTO bidding success rate of approximately 40%—a notable figure in a highly competitive regulatory environment.
Most recently, TI’s consortium, including Amber Infrastructure and INPP, was appointed by Ofgem as the preferred bidder for the Moray West OFTO. This project is linked to the Moray West offshore wind farm, one of the UK’s major renewable energy projects aimed at contributing significantly to the country’s 2030 target of 50GW of offshore wind capacity. The project highlights TI’s leadership in aligning with national energy priorities and regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Chris Veal, Founder and Managing Director of Transmission Investment, commented on the acquisition:
“We are pleased that TAQA has acquired Transmission Investment. TAQA’s experience, capability and backing will enable TI to continue to grow and play its part in the development of the UK transmission system in support of the energy transition. The UK’s targets of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, and net zero by 2050, require a huge expansion of offshore and onshore transmission.”
He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing energy infrastructure cost-effectively for UK consumers, while prioritizing safety, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Expanding Beyond OFTOs: Interconnectors and Grid Stability Projects
While TI is best known for its leadership in offshore transmission, the company’s portfolio and development pipeline extend well beyond that domain. TI is actively involved in developing cross-border interconnector projects such as the FAB Link and the LirIC Project. These high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea electricity interconnectors will link Great Britain with France and Northern Ireland, respectively, with a combined capacity of around 2GW. Notably, both projects have already secured a “cap and floor” regulatory regime from Ofgem, giving them a strong foundation for further development.
The LirIC Project recently achieved significant milestones with energy regulators in both Northern Ireland and the UK, showcasing TI’s ongoing regulatory engagement and technical progress. In addition, TI is preparing to enter the UK’s onshore transmission market through its readiness for the Competitively Appointed Transmission Owner (CATO) framework. This market offers further opportunity for innovation and cost-efficient expansion of the UK’s grid infrastructure.
The company is also developing grid stability projects, an increasingly vital segment of the energy infrastructure ecosystem as grids integrate more intermittent renewable energy sources.
Leadership Continuity and Future Vision
Post-acquisition, Dr. Chris Veal will continue to lead TI, ensuring continuity in operations and strategic direction. His ongoing role reflects TAQA’s commitment to maintaining the high standards and growth trajectory that TI has cultivated over more than a decade.
By aligning the management teams and integrating TI within TAQA Transmission, the acquisition ensures that both organizations can synergize resources, talent, and vision to pursue new market opportunities across Europe and beyond.
TAQA Transmission’s Broader Impact
TAQA Transmission is the sole electricity transmission operator in Abu Dhabi and the largest owner of transmission infrastructure assets in the UAE. The entity is already spearheading several transformative projects across the GCC, UK, and North Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of global energy networks.
One of the most ambitious projects to date was completed earlier in 2024, when TAQA Transmission and ADNOC laid 1,000 kilometers of HVDC subsea cable as part of a USD 3.8 billion initiative to decarbonize offshore oil and gas production in the UAE. This pioneering project established the first subsea HVDC transmission network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is a testament to TAQA’s ability to deliver innovative, large-scale energy infrastructure.
In addition, TAQA recently reached financial close on the Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir Project in Saudi Arabia. The facility, which will support water transmission and distribution across the Makkah and Madinah regions, illustrates TAQA Transmission’s expanding role in sustainable water management—another critical pillar of resource resilience in the Middle East.
The acquisition of Transmission Investment marks a key milestone in TAQA’s broader strategy to become a global utility champion. With this move, TAQA secures not only a foothold in one of the world’s most sophisticated electricity markets but also gains access to a proven team and a mature portfolio of infrastructure assets. These capabilities will accelerate the company’s plans to support the global transition to net-zero and expand its international influence.
For the UK, TAQA’s investment brings additional capital, technical knowledge, and international ambition at a time when the country is ramping up efforts to modernize and expand its grid infrastructure. As the UK targets 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, partnerships like this will be crucial to meeting those ambitious goals.
TAQA’s acquisition of TI demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation in the energy sector. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, both companies are well positioned to lead the way forward—delivering clean, efficient, and resilient power solutions for generations to come.
