Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) has completed the full acquisition of UK-based Transmission Investment (TI), marking the UAE utility’s first international foray into the offshore electricity transmission sector and bolstering its presence in European energy infrastructure.
TI, a major operator of Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) assets in the UK, will now become part of TAQA Transmission—the newly launched subsidiary focused on developing and operating high-voltage power and bulk water transmission infrastructure. The acquisition grants TAQA a direct foothold in the UK market and positions it for further expansion across Europe and globally.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2009, TI manages approximately AED 15 billion (£3 billion) in assets across 11 OFTO projects, connecting offshore wind farms to the UK’s electricity grid. It also holds a nearly 40% success rate in competitive OFTO bidding rounds through its long-standing consortium with Amber Infrastructure and International Public Partnerships (INPP). The group was recently named preferred bidder for the Moray West OFTO by UK energy regulator Ofgem.
In addition to its OFTO portfolio, TI is advancing several strategic interconnector projects—such as FAB Link and LirIC—that will link the UK with France and Northern Ireland via subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. These projects, with a combined capacity of around 2 gigawatts, have received regulatory backing under Ofgem’s cap and floor regime.
TAQA said the acquisition not only enhances its technical capabilities through the integration of TI’s 40-strong team but also aligns with its commitment to supporting the global energy transition.
“Transmission grids are essential enablers of the energy transition,” said Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei, CEO of TAQA Transmission. “This deal strengthens our growing portfolio and reinforces TAQA’s role as a global leader in low-carbon power and water solutions.”
Al Yafei cited International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projections, which estimate that up to $717 billion annually must be invested in global grid infrastructure and flexibility from 2024 to 2030 to stay on track with climate targets.
Chris Veal, founder and managing director of TI, will continue to lead the company under TAQA’s ownership. “TAQA’s backing will allow us to scale our contribution to the UK’s 2030 offshore wind target of 50 GW and its 2050 net zero ambitions,” Veal said in a statement. “We’re committed to expanding both offshore and onshore transmission in a cost-effective and responsible manner.”
The move comes amid a wave of international expansion by TAQA. Earlier this year, it completed a $3.8 billion subsea HVDC transmission project with ADNOC to decarbonise offshore oil production—laying 1,000 kilometres of advanced cable in the MENA region’s first HVDC network.
TAQA has also achieved financial close for the Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir Project in Saudi Arabia and has been linked to possible investments in Spain’s Naturgy and Germany’s Uniper.
With the addition of TI, TAQA significantly deepens its European footprint at a time when robust transmission infrastructure is seen as vital to scaling renewable energy and ensuring long-term energy security.
