What This Measures
Renewable energy share measures the proportion of Qatar’s total electricity generation capacity provided by renewable sources, primarily solar photovoltaic. In a country where electricity generation has historically been powered exclusively by natural gas, this indicator tracks the pace of energy transition within the domestic power sector.
Qatar’s high solar irradiance makes it technically well-suited for solar energy deployment, though land availability, dust accumulation, and extreme heat present operational challenges that are less acute in other solar markets.
Baseline
Effectively zero (2010) — At the baseline, Qatar had no utility-scale renewable energy capacity. The entire electricity system was gas-fired.
Current Value
Approximately 3 to 5 percent of installed capacity (2025) — The 800 MW Al Kharsaah solar photovoltaic plant, developed by TotalEnergies and Marubeni, became operational in 2022 and represents Qatar’s first utility-scale renewable energy installation. Additional small-scale and rooftop installations contribute marginal capacity.
2030 Target
20 percent of electricity generation from renewables — Stated by Kahramaa and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as part of Qatar’s climate commitments.
Status Assessment
At Risk — The gap between approximately 5 percent and the 20 percent target is substantial. Reaching the target requires an additional 3,000 to 4,000 MW of renewable capacity beyond Al Kharsaah, with deployment and grid connection completed by 2029 to allow ramp-up. While additional solar projects are in planning, the pipeline is not yet sufficient to close the gap with confidence.
Key Drivers
Al Kharsaah plant performance demonstrating the viability of utility-scale solar in Qatar. Declining global solar PV costs making additional deployment economically viable. Government climate commitments creating policy pressure. Kahramaa grid modernisation enabling higher renewable penetration. Potential waste-to-energy projects contributing to the renewable mix.
What Needs to Happen
A credible deployment pipeline of 3,000 to 4,000 MW must be finalised, financed, and constructed within the next three to four years. Land allocation for solar farms must be secured. Grid infrastructure must be upgraded to manage the intermittency of solar generation. Energy storage solutions, either battery or grid-scale, will be needed as renewable penetration increases. A clear procurement framework with competitive tendering, power purchase agreements, and grid access guarantees is essential to attract the private capital required for accelerated deployment.