The United Arab Emirates is projected to emerge as the world's largest generator of solar electricity per capita by 2031, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Renewables 2026 report cited by The National. Solar electricity generation in the UAE is expected to surpass 4,000 kilowatt-hours per person over the next six years.
Other Gulf nations also feature prominently in the per-capita rankings, with Oman and Qatar projected to rank third and fifth globally. Australia and Bulgaria are forecast to take second and fourth place, respectively, while Greece, Austria, Spain, China, and Chile round out the top 10. The IEA noted that every country in the top 10 will generate at least 2,000 kilowatt-hours per person by 2031, substantially above the projected global average of approximately 800 kilowatt-hours.
Across the wider Middle East, renewable power capacity is forecast to triple by 2031. Saudi Arabia is expected to lead regional growth with a fivefold increase in renewable expansion, followed by the UAE. Globally, renewable electricity capacity is estimated to expand by nearly 85% by 2031, with solar photovoltaic energy accounting for roughly three-quarters of that increase.
Between 2026 and 2031, global renewable power capacity additions are forecast to reach nearly 4,800 gigawatts, representing a 57% increase compared to the previous six-year period. China is projected to maintain its position as the world's largest renewable energy market, while India is expected to move into second place.
Sources
- UA.NEWS · 2026-11-07
