In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in the United Arab Emirates is predominantly fueled by fossil energies, with almost three-fourths of its electricity—specifically around 72%—originating from gas. However, there is a significant and encouraging share of electricity generated from low-carbon sources, accounting for nearly 28% of the country's overall electricity mix. This vital contribution comes mainly from nuclear and solar energies: nuclear power makes up close to a fifth of the total electricity production, while solar accounts for about 8%. The emphasis on developing low-carbon electricity is a positive step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which offer cleaner alternatives that mitigate climate change impacts.
Is Electricity Growing in United Arab Emirates?
Electricity consumption in the UAE has shown growth, indicating a positive trend towards meeting increasing energy demands. In 2023, the total electricity consumption reached 15,509 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by 261 kWh per person. This rise not only reflects a general increase in electricity usage but is also mirrored in the realm of low-carbon energy. The UAE achieved a remarkable advancement in low-carbon electricity generation, with recent figures standing at 4,333 kWh per person. Compared to the previous record in 2022, this is an impressive increase of 1,613 kWh per person, underscoring a notable shift towards more sustainable electricity generation practices and offering a promising pathway for the nation's future energy strategy.
Suggestions
To sustain this growth and further increase low-carbon electricity generation, the UAE can focus on expanding its nuclear capabilities and continue to harness the abundant solar resources available. Drawing lessons from countries with successful low-carbon energy models could be particularly beneficial. For example, France produces nearly two-thirds of its electricity via nuclear power, showcasing the potential of nuclear energy in achieving substantial clean electricity production. Similarly, countries with significant solar capacity, such as Lebanon, which generates over 30% of its electricity from solar, present scalable models that the UAE can emulate to amplify its solar initiatives. By learning from these strategies and investing in the expansion of nuclear and solar infrastructures, the UAE can elevate its status as a leader in green energy innovation and production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the UAE demonstrates a dynamic shift over the past decades, with recent years seeing substantial gains. Since the early 2010s, significant development in solar power took place, with modest beginnings transitioning into notable advancements; notably, solar electricity output experienced a breakthrough between 2017 and 2023, escalating from minimal figures to nearly 6 TWh. Meanwhile, the nuclear sector has seen a rapid rise, particularly in the early 2020s, marked by impressive year-on-year increases, reaching 12.2 TWh by 2023. These collective strides in low-carbon electricity generation celebrate progress and optimism in reducing carbon footprints and aligning with global sustainability targets. The continuous dedication to advancing solar and nuclear energy represents the UAE's commitment to clean, efficient, and forward-thinking electricity solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.