ADQ and ECP launch $25bn US energy project for AI demand
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and US-based ECP will invest $25 billion in new power infrastructure aimed at meeting growing energy needs from data centres and AI operations.
Elena Whitmore 
Large-scale power development targets data centre growth
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ has formed a 50-50 partnership with Energy Capital Partners (ECP), a US private equity firm, to develop energy infrastructure worth over $25 billion. The collaboration focuses on building 25 gigawatts of new power generation capacity, primarily in the United States, to serve the increasing electricity demands of data centres, cloud computing providers, and other energy-intensive industries.
The two firms announced that their joint efforts will focus on securing reliable and competitive electricity supply for operations driven by artificial intelligence technologies and large-scale cloud infrastructure. The projects will be primarily based on new-build, natural gas-fired power generation, chosen for its scalability and ability to meet high-capacity needs on a rapid timeline.
Growing AI usage drives electricity consumption surge
The rise in AI deployment, especially in the form of generative models and chatbots, has brought new challenges to energy infrastructure systems. According to estimates referenced by the companies, a typical AI query consumes significantly more energy than a standard internet search — up to ten times as much. This increased strain on computing resources has translated into rapidly expanding power requirements, particularly in North America, where many hyperscale data centres are located.
A recent study by the US Department of Energy reported that data centres currently account for about 4.4% of the nation’s electricity usage, with that share potentially tripling by 2028. The partnership between ADQ and ECP seeks to address this rising demand through targeted investment in modern energy systems.
Mohamed Alsuwaidi, CEO of ADQ, noted that the joint initiative would allow the firm to contribute to long-term infrastructure solutions. “Meeting these power needs presents evolving challenges for governments worldwide in ensuring secure, stable and commercially competitive electricity supply,” he stated. He added that their role is to support the sectors that underpin economic and digital transformation.
Political backdrop and regional investment trends
The announcement of this energy venture coincides with a visit to the United States by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser. During the trip, he met with former President Donald Trump, discussing topics including infrastructure and artificial intelligence, as reported by state news agency WAM.
The project follows similar high-value announcements from the UAE, such as Damac Properties’ commitment earlier this year to invest $20 billion in US-based data centres. With hyperscale technologies reshaping global industries, ADQ’s latest initiative highlights the financial and logistical scale required to sustain their momentum.
Doug Kimmelman, founder and executive chairman of ECP, emphasized the urgency of expanding capacity. “AI will be a major driver of US economic and job growth over the coming decade, but not unless ample new electricity supplies are developed,” he said.
