Featuring Rasso Bartenschlager, General Manager of Al Masaood Power Division
Published in Power 50 Edition – Utilities Middle East
Powering Progress: Rasso’s Vision for the Future of Energy Solutions
In an era defined by seismic shifts in energy systems, rising infrastructure demands, and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, few leaders embody adaptability and foresight quite like Rasso Bartenschlager.
As General Manager of Al Masaood Power Division since 2014, Rasso has led the company through a transformative journey from a traditional power supplier to a next-generation energy solutions provider.
Under his leadership, Al Masaood Power, part of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Masaood Group, has strengthened partnerships with world-renowned brands including mtu, a Rolls-Royce solution, Volvo Penta, and Leroy Somer.
Today, the company is recognised not just for its products and solutions but for delivering intelligent, high-performance, and sustainable energy solutions across mission-critical sectors.
“Beyond just selling power systems, our goal is to enable clients to operate smarter, more efficiently, and more sustainably,” Rasso explains.
The division’s scope has expanded across the UAE, Bahrain, and Iraq, serving diverse sectors such as marine, industrial, data centres, and government infrastructure. This evolution reflects a sharp understanding of customer realities paired with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach that anticipates industry shifts.
Rasso attributes this transformation to a team-first mindset: “The complexity of today’s energy needs means no one can operate in silos. Collaboration internally, with partners, and occasionally with competitors, is key to delivering integrated, future-proof power solutions.”
Reliable Power for Critical Infrastructure
In today’s unpredictable world, continuity is everything. Energy infrastructure must be dependable, flexible, and resilient and Al Masaood Power has doubled down on delivering exactly that.
“From hospitals and data centres to government buildings and emergency response units, mission-critical operations depend on uninterrupted power. It’s no longer just backup, it’s about readiness,”
Rasso emphasizes.
With world-class technology partnerships such as mtu diesel and gas generators from Rolls-Royce combined with advanced system integration services, Al Masaood Power provides turnkey solutions tailored to geography, regulations, and infrastructure limitations.
For remote or hard-to-reach areas, the company delivers mobile energy solutions, including containerised power units and generator trucks, ensuring that access isn’t limited by geography.
Solar and battery storage systems now play a key role in these hybrid solutions. “In some areas, it’s not practical to rely solely on traditional sources,” Rasso notes. “That’s where solar integration and battery systems are game changers.”
Sustainability is embedded in operations: many of their deployed systems can already switch to low-carbon fuels, reducing emissions by up to 90% without technical modifications.
Leadership, Learning & Human Capital
Behind every innovation is a strong team. Rasso’s leadership style prioritises empowerment, trust, and accountability, building a high-performance culture at Al Masaood Power.
This people-first approach shows in the company’s investments in Emiratisation programs, team-building initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration. For example, its two-year Mechatronics Program trains young Emiratis in mechanical and electronic engineering to prepare them for integrated system projects in the age of automation.
Graduates are now working on high-impact projects in marine power, industrial energy, and diesel power generation. This aligns with the UAE’s national agenda of talent development and capacity building.
Smart Infrastructure, AI, and What Comes Next
As the GCC’s digital and industrial infrastructure expands, Al Masaood Power is driving innovation with AI-enabled monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and hybrid power systems that balance resilience with sustainability.
From giga-scale data centres in the UAE to marine propulsion systems, the company is investing in modular gas generators, solar-integrated storage, and low-carbon fuels. These initiatives align directly with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.
By upskilling talent and forging partnerships with governments, OEMs, and academic institutions, Al Masaood Power is positioning itself not just to follow the future but to shape it.
“AI, green fuels, predictive support these are the building blocks of tomorrow’s energy landscape,” “Our role is to integrate them cost-effectively, seamlessly, and at scale.”
Rasso says.
Q&A with Rasso – Leading Through Transformation
What’s your approach to innovation?
Rasso: For us, innovation is evolutionary, not disruptive. By collaborating with OEMs like MTU, we introduce smart upgrades without sacrificing reliability. It’s about functionality, not flash.
How are you integrating AI into operations?
Rasso: AI accelerates diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and fuel optimisation. It’s a silent partner that helps us operate faster and with more accuracy.
Biggest challenge in AI adoption?
Rasso: Resistance to change, especially among seasoned teams. We tackle it with tailored training, positioning AI to augment not replace human expertise.
Initiative you’re most proud of?
Rasso: The Emirati Mechatronics Program. Watching young engineers grow into confident professionals is deeply fulfilling.
What’s your long-term vision?
Rasso: To make Al Masaood Power the regional benchmark for intelligent, sustainable energy solutions combining smart systems with skilled people, and always keeping our responsibility to the planet in mind.