Electricity in Qatar in 2023/2024

Over the period from August 2023 to July 2024, electricity consumption in Qatar has been entirely reliant on fossil fuels, specifically natural gas, representing 100% of the electricity generation. This means that every unit of electricity consumed in the country has been produced from the burning of natural gas, with close to none coming from low-carbon or clean energy sources such as solar, wind, or nuclear. Qatar's electricity generation reflects a strong dependency on fossil energy, highlighting the absence of diversification towards more sustainable forms of electricity generation that are critical for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Suggestions

To transition towards low-carbon electricity generation, Qatar could benefit from adopting strategies observed in other countries with successful clean energy adoption. For instance, France generates more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, emphasizing the potential for nuclear energy to significantly contribute to a clean energy mix. Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates have also made strides in this direction, with nuclear energy contributing to 20% of their electricity generation. Besides nuclear, countries like Denmark and Ireland exemplify the successful integration of wind power, generating 59% and 34% of their electricity from wind, respectively. The strategic expansion and investment in wind and solar technologies could thus help diversify Qatar's energy mix and reduce its reliance on gas, aligning with global sustainability goals.

History

Historically, Qatar's approach to low-carbon electricity generation has been minimal, with negligible advancements in previous decades. Data indicates that from 2011 onward, there was no significant increase in electricity generation from biofuels or solar energy, with only a marginal increase of 0.1 TWh from biofuels in 2013. There has been consistent stagnation, where substantial initiatives towards low-carbon electricity have not been recorded, suggesting an opportunity for Qatar to reassess its energy strategy. The potential for solar energy exploitation is particularly high given Qatar’s abundant sunlight, which, if harnessed effectively, could play a crucial role in transforming the nation's energy landscape into a more sustainable system. By embracing these potentials, Qatar can establish a more diverse and resilient electricity sector moving forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources