As of 2023, the United Arab Emirates primarily relies on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with gas making up more than half of its electricity generation at approximately 72%. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards low-carbon or clean energy sources in recent years, with almost 28% of electricity coming from such sources. Nuclear energy plays a significant role in this transition, contributing about 20% of the clean electricity, while solar energy accounts for a little over 8%. This balanced mix of clean nuclear and solar energy is a great step towards reducing carbon emissions, combatting climate change, and diminishing the environmental impact of heavily relying on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in United Arab Emirates?
Electricity consumption per capita in the UAE has shown an upward trend, indicating growth in overall electricity use. In 2023, electricity consumption has increased to approximately 15,507 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 with an increase of 260 kWh per person. More remarkably, the consumption of low-carbon electricity has also surged significantly. The latest data reports 4,332 kWh per person, showing a significant increase of approximately 1,613 kWh from the previous year. This shift signifies not only a growth in overall electricity consumption but also a positive and substantial movement towards clean energy, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to sustainable development, cleaner air, and tackling climate change.
Suggestions
To further enhance their low-carbon electricity portfolio, the United Arab Emirates could consider expanding their nuclear and solar initiatives, as these energy types are already proving fruitful. Learning from other regions could accelerate this progress. For nuclear power, countries like France and Slovakia show impressive examples, sourcing about 67% and 66% of their electricity from nuclear energy respectively. In terms of solar energy, regions such as North Macedonia and Nevada utilize solar power effectively, generating roughly 49% and 34% of their electricity from it. By adopting these strategies and technologies, the UAE can continue to advance its clean energy infrastructure efficiently and serve as a regional leader in low-carbon electricity production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity adoption in the UAE is marked by significant milestones, especially over the past decade. The introduction of solar energy began incrementally, with tangible growth starting from 2013 onwards. In 2019, solar energy made a leap with an increase of 2.4 TWh. There was also a parallel breakthrough in nuclear energy, with its introduction in 2020 significantly enhancing clean electricity generation with a contribution of 1.6 TWh initially and a robust growth in subsequent years. By 2023, nuclear energy added an impressive 12.2 TWh, while solar continued its ascent with an increment of 6 TWh. This historical perspective highlights a determined effort to diversify and intensify the focus on sustainable energy sources, marking the UAE's strategic path towards a greener future.
