Eni signs strategic agreements with Emirati firms in data centres, electrical interconnections, and critical minerals
During the state visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Eni signed three collaboration agreements with Emirati companies, focusing on data centre development, the electricity interconnection between Albania and Italy, and research on critical minerals.
| Sectors | Gas, Carbon, Oil, Exploration & Production, Gas Exploration & Production, Refining, CCS |
|---|---|
| Themes | Investments & Transactions, Commercial Partnerships |
| Companies | Eni, Masdar |
| Countries | United Arab Emirates, Italy |
On February 25, 2025, in Rome, in the presence of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, signed three collaboration agreements with Emirati companies. These agreements focus on developing data centres, renewable energy transmission through a cross-border interconnection between Albania and Italy, and research on critical minerals.
Development of Data Centres in Italy
Eni signed a letter of intent with MGX, a major investment fund focused on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and G42, a global AI group based in Abu Dhabi. The aim is to develop cutting-edge data centres in Italy capable of storing, processing, and managing large amounts of data, with an expected computational capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW). These facilities will be entirely powered by “blue” energy provided by Eni, a low-carbon energy source produced by natural gas power plants, where CO₂ emissions are captured and stored. The first project is planned for Ferrera Erbognone, where Eni’s Green Data Centre is located, and will be developed in two phases, each of 500 megawatts (MW), equivalent to Italy’s current installed capacity. This project will be supported by a new dedicated power plant with CO₂ capture and storage at Eni’s Ravenna carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub.
Electric Interconnection between Albania and Italy
Eni also signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a leader in clean energy in the UAE, and Taqa Transmission, a specialist in electricity transmission. This agreement aims to establish long-term power purchase contracts in Italy, with Eni being the primary buyer of renewable energy produced in Albania, with a capacity of up to 3 GW. This energy will be transmitted via a 1 GW underwater cross-border interconnection between Albania and Italy. This agreement follows the tripartite strategic partnership framework signed in Abu Dhabi in January 2025 between the governments of Italy, Albania, and the UAE.
Collaboration on Critical Minerals
Finally, Eni and ADQ, a global sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and supply chains, signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on critical minerals research and development. This agreement aims to strengthen the security and resilience of the critical mineral supply chain for both Italy and the UAE.
Claudio Descalzi, Eni’s CEO, stated, “Our partnership with the United Arab Emirates reflects our shared commitment to a sustainable energy future, leveraging innovation and collaboration across key sectors.” Eni has been present in the UAE since 2018, operating in the offshore exploration sector in Abu Dhabi, with a 70% stake in blocks 2 and 3. The company also holds a 10% stake in the Ghasha offshore concession, currently under development, and stakes in the Lower Zakum (5%) and Umm Shaif/Nasr (10%) offshore concessions. Eni also holds 20% in ADNOC Global Trading and ADNOC Refining, the latter operating in the Ruwais region, with a total refining capacity of more than 900,000 barrels per day, making the Ruwais complex the fourth largest in the world in terms of capacity.
