Qatar expands solar power capacity to meet QNV 2030 goals

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is making major strides in renewable energy, with three large scale solar power plants now operational and more ambitious projects...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is making major strides in renewable energy, with three large-scale solar power plants now operational and more ambitious projects on the horizon, according to Eng Mohammed Abdullah Bu Kashisha, Monitoring Engineer at Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), in an interview with Qatar TV.

Bu Kashisha explained that the establishment of solar plants is a key part of the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and the Qatar Renewable Energy Strategy launched by Kahramaa last year.

This strategy, developed in collaboration with over 200 state entities over two years, aims to boost renewable power generation, reduce carbon emissions, and support the country’s environmental and economic development goals under the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030.

The first and flagship project, Al-Kharsaah Solar Power Plant, located west of Doha, covers 10 square kilometres and consists of nearly 1.8 million solar panels. With a production capacity of 800 megawatts, the plant currently contributes about 5% of Qatar’s electricity supply. 

Over its 25–26 year operational lifespan, it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 26 million metric tonnes, equivalent to about one million tonnes annually.