From Desert Sun To Arabian Sea: How India And UAE Are Wiring A New Power Future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Abu Dhabi visit came against the backdrop of this emerging energy architecture, where trade, infrastructure, climate action and geopolitics now intersect. As both countries bet big on solar, hydrogen and grid connectivity, the planned India–UAE power link sits at the heart of a wider India–Middle East–Europe corridor vision.

A High-Voltage Bridge Under The Sea

New Delhi plans massive high-voltage direct current (HVDC) undersea interconnectors from Gujarat to the UAE, designed to move up to 2 GW of electricity across the Arabian Sea. The project, aligned with the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) vision, would allow India to export renewable energy when it has a surplus, and potentially import power when domestic demand peaks.

If implemented on time, the subsea cable could become a backbone of the proposed India–Middle East–Europe economic and energy corridor, linking power markets from South Asia to the Mediterranean. For the UAE, it offers a way to diversify energy flows beyond hydrocarbons and position itself as a regional clean-power hub.

Power Corridor Highlights

1. Planned HVDC undersea link between Gujarat (India) and UAE shores, carrying about 2 GW.
2. Part of OSOWOG and the broader India–Middle East–Europe connectivity and energy corridor.
3. Multi-billion-dollar investment, with subsea cables operating at depths of up to 3,000–3,500 metres.
4. Backed by India’s fast-growing renewable capacity and UAE’s push to be a clean-energy and logistics hub.
5. Aims to enhance energy security, balance grids across time zones and create a template for cross-border green power trade