Electricity in Qatar in 2024
The current state of electricity consumption in Qatar is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with an overwhelming 99.76% of electricity generated from gas. The dominance of fossil energy means that clean or low-carbon energy sources like solar are used close to none in the country. This presents a significant challenge for Qatar as it seeks to transition to more sustainable sources of electricity to reduce the negative impacts of fossil fuels, such as air pollution and climate change, but also a huge opportunity for growth in essential clean, sustainable electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Qatar?
Electricity consumption is indeed growing in Qatar. The per capita electricity consumption reached 19,593 kWh in 2024, which is an increase of 864 kWh per person compared to the previous record set in 2022. This growth in electricity consumption indicates an increasing demand for energy, likely driven by industrial expansion and population growth. However, the low-carbon electricity generation has not seen a similar upward trend; it decreased by 7 kWh per person from the 2021 record, now standing at 47 kWh per person. This stagnation in clean electricity generation is concerning and highlights the need for urgent action to boost sustainable power sources.
Suggestions
For Qatar to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, it can look at regions that have successfully implemented solar and nuclear power. Lebanon, for example, generates 31% of its electricity from solar energy, while countries like France and Slovakia significantly rely on nuclear power, generating 69% and 67% of their electricity from it, respectively. By learning from these regions, Qatar can adopt strategies that increase the share of solar energy, taking advantage of its abundant sunlight, and explore nuclear options to provide a steady and reliable source of electricity. Recognizing the benefits of these clean energy sources is crucial as Qatar aims to secure a sustainable and greener future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Qatar has been stagnant over the years. Since 2014, biofuels have remained constant without any significant increase, and the introduction of solar energy in 2021 has not yet led to measurable growth. This stagnation can be seen year after year with no net increase in either solar or biofuels from 2015 through 2024. Given this history, Qatar must make strategic efforts to introduce substantial growth in these areas, particularly in solar and nuclear energy, to ensure a more diversified and sustainable electricity mix for the future.
