Electricity in Qatar in 2024
Qatar's electricity consumption in 2024 heavily relies on fossil fuels, with gas constituting nearly all of the supply at 99.76%. This means that only a negligible fraction of electricity is sourced from low-carbon or clean energy alternatives. Given that the current state of energy production is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, there is a significant need for transformation towards more sustainable options. This would benefit the environment by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and improving air quality, addressing serious concerns linked to climate change and pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Qatar?
Electricity consumption in Qatar is on an upward trend. In 2024, the per-person electricity usage has reached nearly 19,600 kWh, marking an increase from the 2022 record of about 18,700 kWh per person. This rise of roughly 864 kWh per person highlights a growing demand for electricity, which is not surprising given technological advancements and population growth. However, the country's low-carbon electricity generation has disappointingly decreased to 47 kWh per person, down from its previous peak of 54 kWh per person recorded in 2018. This downward trend in low-carbon electricity is concerning and emphasizes the urgency for Qatar to shift towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Suggestions
To bolster its capacity in low-carbon electricity generation, Qatar can adopt strategies that have proven successful in other regions. For instance, France has set a remarkable benchmark with nuclear energy constituting 68% of its electricity mix, while countries like Lebanon and Nevada have effectively harnessed solar energy, achieving 31% and 27% respectively. By exploring investments in both nuclear and solar energy, Qatar can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate its environmental footprint. The combination of these clean energy sources will not only enhance energy security but also set Qatar on a path towards a sustainable future.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity production in Qatar, it's apparent that there has been little to no progress in the past decade. From 2011 to 2022, efforts to generate electricity from biofuels and solar remained stagnant, rendering close to negligible changes in total low-carbon energy output. The brief introduction of 0.1 TWh from biofuels in 2013 was an isolated occurrence rather than the start of a trend. This lack of significant advancement in low-carbon electricity is concerning and highlights the need for proactive measures to adopt clean energy technologies actively. Expanding solar and nuclear energy initiatives is essential, not just to meet current electricity demands, but to ensure a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future for Qatar.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.