The UAE's renewable energy capacity expanded more than 63-fold over the past decade, rising from 129 megawatts (MW) in 2015 to over 8.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, according to Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, reported by Gulf Business via the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Speaking ahead of World Energy Day on October 22, Al Mazrouei said clean energy accounted for 32.4 percent of the country's electricity generation in 2025, with the UAE targeting a 35 percent share by 2031. He emphasized that energy security and emissions reduction are complementary goals requiring a diversified energy mix to fulfill expanding demand from economic and population growth.
To meet future power requirements, the UAE plans to invest up to AED 200 billion in clean energy projects through 2030. Al Mazrouei indicated that the investment programme will also seek greater private sector participation and stronger partnerships across the energy industry.
Nuclear power remains a key pillar of the energy diversification effort. The 5.6 GW Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant supplies 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs and prevents approximately 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to the minister.
Al Mazrouei added that the targeted generation capacity of Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park by 2030 has been raised by 60 percent. Meanwhile, renewable energy company Masdar has deployed approximately $45 billion in investments, expanding its clean energy portfolio beyond 65 GW toward a 2030 target of 100 GW.
Sources
- Gulf Business · 2026-10-21
