In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a noteworthy divide between fossil and low-carbon electricity sources, with more than 70% of its electricity still relying on fossil fuels, specifically natural gas. On the brighter side, almost 30% of the electricity generated in the country comes from low-carbon sources, with nuclear energy accounting for a substantial portion of nearly 20%. Solar energy contributes to a smaller but significant portion, representing over 8% of the electricity generated. This shift towards clean energy sources shows a positive trajectory for the UAE in terms of sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation, pivotal in combating climate change and reducing air pollution from fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in United Arab Emirates?
It's clear that electricity consumption in the UAE is on a growth path, as seen by the latest 2023 figure of 15,509 kWh per person—this represents an increase compared to 2021's previous record of 15,248 kWh per person. More impressive is the substantial rise in low-carbon electricity generation per person, now reaching 4,333 kWh compared to the 2,720 kWh per person recorded in 2022—a significant jump that signals a robust commitment to transitioning to cleaner sources. The increase in both overall electricity consumption and clean electricity production is a promising indicator of progress, reflecting the UAE's active role in addressing the rising demand for sustainable energy amidst a global push towards electrification.
Suggestions
To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, the UAE should consider expanding its successful nuclear energy program, building on its already substantial contribution. Looking at regions with significant achievements in low-carbon energy, the UAE can take cues from France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes to more than half of their electricity. Likewise, drawing lessons from Lebanon and Nevada for their solar capabilities can guide the UAE in boosting solar energy's role in its energy mix. Learning from these regions can provide strategic insights for the UAE to accelerate its clean energy transformation effectively and efficiently.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the UAE has been marked with notable progress, especially since the late 2010s. Solar energy began to play a role after 2013 and saw steady growth into 2019. In 2020, nuclear energy emerged as a significant player, adding 1.6 TWh, which grew substantially over subsequent years, peaking at an addition of 12.2 TWh in 2023. Meanwhile, solar's contribution also grew, with marked increases in 2019 and 2023. Despite biofuels showing close to no activity between 2022 and 2023, the overall trend reflects a concerted effort towards bolstering low-carbon energy production, presenting a hopeful outlook for the UAE's commitment to sustainable electricity generation in the coming decades.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.