In 2023, electricity consumption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is primarily driven by fossil fuels, particularly gas, which accounts for more than two-thirds, specifically 72%, of the total electricity generated. Low-carbon sources contribute almost a third, with 28% of electricity generation stemming from these cleaner energy types. Among the low-carbon options, nuclear energy is the leading contributor, providing almost 20% of the electricity, while solar energy accounts for approximately 8%. This indicates a significant but still developing commitment to low-carbon electricity, underscoring the need for increased investment in sustainable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in United Arab Emirates?
Electricity consumption in the UAE is growing, as evidenced by the latest figures showing a consumption rate of 15,509 kWh per person, which surpasses the previous record from 2021 by 261 kWh per person. This growth showcases an increasing demand, potentially driven by electrification and technological advances, such as artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the low-carbon sector has seen remarkable progress with the latest generation reaching 4,333 kWh per person, significantly up by over 1,600 kWh from the previous year. This enthusiastic expansion in clean electricity generation highlights a positive trend towards a greener and more sustainable electricity grid, with nuclear and solar leading the charge in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, the UAE should continue to expand its existing nuclear facilities, which are already generating substantial electricity, as nuclear remains a high-output and reliable low-carbon option. Additionally, the UAE can draw inspiration from regions like France, where nuclear power contributes a robust 69% of electricity, demonstrating the potential of this energy type when scaled effectively. In terms of solar development, the UAE could learn from Lebanon and Nevada, where solar power constitutes 31% and 29% of their electricity generation, respectively. By expanding both its nuclear and solar capabilities, the UAE can work towards a more sustainable electricity future that aligns with global standards in clean energy production.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in the UAE, a notable shift can be observed over the past decade. In the 2010s, solar energy saw modest but gradual growth, starting with small increments like 0.1 TWh in 2013 and progressively increasing to 2.4 TWh by 2019. A significant leap in low-carbon generation occurred from 2020 onwards, with nuclear energy playing a pivotal role, starting with an addition of 1.6 TWh in 2020 and dramatically increasing to 12.2 TWh by 2023. Simultaneously, solar also saw substantial growth, particularly from 2019 to 2023. This history underlies the UAE's positive trend towards adopting more sustainable energy sources, showcasing the country's commitment to expanding its low-carbon energy infrastructure to meet future demands sustainably.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.