Renewables
Qatar targets higher renewable energy capacity by 2035
GlobalData reports that Qatar plans to expand its renewable energy share to nearly 26 percent by 2035.
Key points
- Renewable energy is projected to reach 25.9 percent of installed capacity by 2035.
- Solar power is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.4 percent over the decade.
- Natural gas will remain central, accounting for 74 percent of installed capacity in 2035.
Growth in solar capacity
Qatar intends to increase its renewable energy share to 25.9 percent of total installed power capacity by 2035, rising from 12 percent in 2025, according to a report by GlobalData published by Sustainability Online. The expansion is primarily driven by a projected 12.4 percent compound annual growth rate in solar development over the ten-year period.
Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan noted that the country's electricity sector is transitioning toward a hybrid structure. Key solar projects supporting this shift include Al Kharsaah, newly operational facilities at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, and the Dukhan initiative.
Role of natural gas
Despite the growth of clean energy, natural gas will continue to play a major role in Qatar's electricity and water networks over the next decade. GlobalData estimates that gas will represent approximately 74 percent of cumulative installed power capacity by 2035.
Gas-fired combined-cycle plants and cogeneration units are expected to supply steady electricity, particularly during periods of peak summer cooling demand. These facilities also provide essential support for water desalination while integrating midday solar generation into the grid.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
0.3% of electricity in Qatar was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
