In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) primarily depends on fossil energy for its electricity needs, with gas alone constituting a significant 72% of their energy mix. However, the country is making notable strides towards embracing low-carbon, clean energy sources, which now make up almost 28% of the electricity generation. Of this green electricity, nuclear energy forms the bulk, contributing close to 20%, while solar energy accounts for more than 8%. The progressive integration of these low-carbon sources underscores UAE's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in United Arab Emirates?
The growth in electricity consumption in the United Arab Emirates is evident from the latest statistics in 2023. The per capita electricity consumption has reached 15,507 kWh, showing an increase from the previous record in 2021, where it was 15,248 kWh per person. This rise by 260 kWh per person illustrates a consistent upward trend. Even more impressive is the increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which has surged to 4,332 kWh per person this year, marking a significant growth of 1,613 kWh per person compared to the historic low-carbon record from 2022. These numbers highlight not only a rise in overall electricity usage but also a strong emphasis on clean electricity generation, which is vital for sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To further enhance the low-carbon electricity generation, UAE can expand its current nuclear capabilities, given their significant contribution to the green grid. Learning from regions such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides more than 67% of electricity, UAE can amplify its efforts in this arena. Moreover, looking towards Lebanon's solar success where solar energy accounts for 31%, the UAE can leverage its abundant sunlight to increase solar energy production. By adopting strategies from these regions focusing on nuclear and solar power, UAE can potentially revolutionize its energy mix, substantially increase green electricity, and lessen its dependence on fossil fuels.
History
The journey of UAE's low-carbon electricity has shown remarkable progress, especially in recent years. Initially, solar energy saw gradual growth between 2009 and 2019, culminating in a substantial increase of over 6 TWh in 2023 alone. The advancement of nuclear energy has been even more remarkable, with incremental gains starting in 2020 and continuously escalating to a remarkable 12.2 TWh increase in 2023. These recent advancements are a testament to UAE’s earnest pursuit of diversifying and greening its electricity sources. Although the contribution from biofuels remains minimal, the focus rightfully continues on enhancing solar and nuclear energy capabilities to align with the nation's sustainability goals and climate commitments.
