Does Qatar need solar energy?

On the renewable energy front, Qatar aims for solar energy to constitute 30% of its electricity-generation capacity by 2030. In October 2022 the country’s first solar-PV energy project, the 800-MW Al Kharsaah power plant, started operating and now supplies around 10% of domestic peak energy consumption needs.

How much energy does Qatar produce?

The International Renewable Energy Agency stated that Qatar’s total domestic energy supply in 2020 consisted of 91% gas and 9% oil, with only 0.02% of the country’s energy produced from renewable sources.

How much solar energy will Qatar have by 2024?

If these solar energy projects come online as expected, about 13% of Qatar’s electricity generation capacity will come from solar energy by the end of 2024, with solar capacity totalling 1780 MW out of a total generating capacity of 12 GW.

How will Qatar's energy policy affect the economy?

It will reduce the carbon intensity in Qatar’s annual CO2 intensity by 27% for each unit of electricity produced. In terms of economic advantage, it is expected to reduce the average cost of electricity generation by 15% by 2030 due to the cost-competitive solutions.

Will Qatar invest 630 million in solar power plants?

Qatar announced a US$630 million investment in two further solar plants in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan industrial cities. The two further solar power plants have a combined peak capacity of 880 MW and are expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

How many solar panels are there in Qatar?

Qatar's first major solar energy plant, Al Kharsaah, opened in October 2022 and comprises more than 1.8 million solar panels expected to generate around 2 TWh of electricity per year. Qatar announced a US$630 million investment in two further solar plants in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan industrial cities.