Qatar is poised to leap from 5% renewable energy production to an impressive 18% by 2030. This target is part of a broader strategy to develop a robust energy systemโone fueled primarily by natural gas but increasingly complemented by renewable resources like solar power.
Renewable energy expansion goals
Currently, renewable energy accounts for just under 5% of Qatarโs energy mix. According to Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al-Baker, Director of Planning and Production Development at the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), this figure is set to grow significantly.
By 2030, the goal is to generate 4 gigawatts (GW) from centralized renewable projects and an additional 1.2 GW from distributed projects.
These goals are a core component of Qatarโs renewable energy strategy, which aims to maximize the social, economic, and environmental value of its programs while contributing to the nationโs low-carbon transformation. The strategy emphasizes reducing carbon emissions, enhancing grid reliability, and increasing the share of renewables in the overall energy mix. These objectives directly support Qatarโs National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which envisions sustainable and competitive energy solutions.
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Al-Baker also highlighted the economic benefits of advancing wind and solar technologies, especially as photovoltaic (PV) solar becomes more cost-effective. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for PV solar fell from 4 cents per kWh in 2017 to 1.5 cents in 2023, with projections showing it could decrease further to 0.9 cents by 2030. These falling costs make solar energy an increasingly attractive option for meeting the country’s growing energy demands.
By integrating renewables into its power grid, Qatar aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. This shift is expected to yield long-term economic benefits, including the creation of green jobs and the development of new industries in renewable energy technology.
Solar energy potential in Qatar
A more diversified energy supply is expected to improve Qatarโs energy security and power sector resilience, while also reducing the average cost of generation by 15% by 2030. The strategy integrates high-efficiency natural gas thermal generation with renewable installations, creating a reliable and resilient energy system.
Qatar has significant solar potential, boasting some of the world’s highest levels of global horizontal solar radiationโbetween 2,140 and 2,192 Wh/mยฒ/day, according to the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. This abundant natural resource makes the country an ideal location for large-scale solar energy projects.
These solar projects are expected to provide a stable supply of clean energy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources for future generations.
Current renewable energy projects
Qatarโs current renewable sector includes the 800 MW Siraj 1 solar power plant in Al Kharsaah and over 9 MW from other distributed solar projects. Still, thermal generation accounts for more than 90% of the country’s 12 GW total electricity generation capacity.
As one of the largest solar power plants in the region, the Siraj 1 project is a significant milestone in Qatarโs renewable energy journey. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes and substantially reduce the countryโs carbon footprint.
However, significant challenges remain, including the private sectorโs limited capacity to undertake large projects and a scarcity of experienced companies. To build the necessary infrastructure, a substantial investment of approximately $7.6 billion will be needed by 2030.
Building capacity and attracting investment
To address these challenges, Qatar aims to enhance the capabilities of its renewable energy development companies and attract investment in related manufacturing. The goal is to incentivize local firms to scale up and eventually become financially self-sufficient.
The government is also focusing on developing local expertise through education and training programs, aiming to create a skilled workforce capable of supporting the growing renewable energy sector.
Qatar’s ambitious plan to boost its renewable energy capacity to 18% by 2030 underscores its commitment to sustainable development and energy diversification. By capitalizing on its abundant solar resources and falling technology costs, the nation is well-positioned to achieve a cleaner energy future. This strategic shift not only promises greater energy security and economic diversification but also sets a powerful example for the region in leveraging renewable energy for growth and environmental sustainability.
