Renewable energy will produce 18% of Qatar’s power generation by 2030: Kahramaa

Doha, Qatar: The current production of renewable energy in Qatar is estimated at 5 percent of the total energy mix, and is forecast to rise to 18 perc...

Doha, Qatar: The current production of renewable energy in Qatar is estimated at 5 percent of the total energy mix, and is forecast to rise to 18 percent by 2030.

Director of Production Planning and Business Development at Kahramaa Eng. Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Al Baker said this in an interview with Qatar News Agency.

Al Baker emphasized the crucial importance of renewable energy for Qatar to achieve the goals outlined in the National Development Strategy 2024-2030. The Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy aims to develop a sustainable and cost-effective energy system, leveraging the country's abundant natural gas reserves and renewable energy potential.

Al Baker highlighted that the strategy aims to reach 4 gigawatts from centralized renewable energy projects and 200 megawatts from distributed projects by 2030. The strategy focuses on three main goals: reducing carbon dioxide emissions through sustainable policies, increasing the share of renewable energy while maintaining grid reliability, and maximizing the social and economic benefits of renewable energy programs.

On the economic benefits, Al Baker noted the competitive costs of renewable technologies, making the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Qatar and the region more attractive due to the decreased levelized cost of electricity production. The cost of photovoltaic solar energy has dropped significantly from around 4 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2017 to about 1.5 cents in 2023, with expectations to decrease to around 1 cent per kilowatt-hour by 2030. Similarly, the cost of wind energy has decreased from about 5 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2017 to approximately 4.5 cents in 2023, projected to reach about 4 cents per kilowatt-hour by 2030. The recommended energy mix is expected to reduce the average cost of electricity generation by 15 percent in 2030. Al Baker also mentioned that the strategy will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, ensuring the stability of the energy sector. The strategy adopts a balanced approach, combining centralized renewable energy facilities with high-efficiency gas-powered thermal generation.