Electricity in Qatar in 2023/2024

Currently, the electricity consumption in Qatar is entirely dependent on fossil fuels, specifically natural gas. From August 2023 to July 2024, all of Qatar's electricity was generated from gas. This is particularly significant as it means there is no contribution from low-carbon or clean energy sources such as wind, solar, or nuclear. The heavy reliance on natural gas indicates a significant challenge in reducing the nation's carbon footprint and addressing the environmental impact associated with fossil fuels, including climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Qatar can look to successful countries that have substantial shares of their electricity generation coming from low-carbon sources. For instance, France and Slovakia derive more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing the potential for substantial clean energy output. Similarly, Denmark and Uruguay have harnessed wind energy to generate more than 30% of their electricity. The United Arab Emirates, which shares similar climatic conditions with Qatar, has successfully integrated nuclear energy into its power mix, achieving 20% of its electricity from this low-carbon source. By learning from these examples, Qatar can diversify its energy portfolio and significantly incorporate nuclear and wind power to ensure a sustainable and clean electricity supply.

History

Historically, Qatar has demonstrated limited progress in low-carbon electricity generation. From 2011 to 2021, there have been negligible changes in low-carbon energy production. Solar energy and biofuels combined contributed close to none, with solar energy consistently showing zero TWh change each year and biofuels only seeing a minimal increase of 0.1 TWh in 2013. This stagnant growth calls for urgent and proactive investment in nuclear and solar energy infrastructure, particularly leveraging solar given Qatar’s abundant sunlight, to set a robust foundation for a green energy future. The history underscores the necessity for strategic policymaking to transition away from fossil dependence towards a diversified and sustainable electricity ecosystem.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources