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Qatar’s General Electricity and Water Corporation, known as “Kahramaa,” has unveiled the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES) in collaboration with 22 key energy stakeholders in the country. This initiative reflects Kahramaa’s commitment to advancing renewable energy practices and developing related policies and strategies to support Qatar’s sustainable future as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
The QNRES aims to boost the utilization and diversification of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, in Qatar’s energy mix, leveraging the country’s abundant solar resources. It sets a target to increase large-scale renewable power generation to approximately 4 GW by 2030, along with recommending the installation of distributed solar generation of up to 200 MW by the same year. This distributed capacity will enable localized power generation, reducing strain on the centralized grid infrastructure and enhancing energy resilience.
The strategy launch marks a significant step forward, promising economic benefits, environmental improvements, and enhanced energy security for the future. By implementing sustainable policies, such as reducing CO2 emissions, Qatar aims to enhance environmental sustainability and air quality. It is estimated that the recommended power mix will reduce 10 percent of Qatar’s total annual CO2 emissions from the power sector and decrease the carbon intensity in Qatar’s annual carbon dioxide intensity by 27 percent for each unit of electricity produced.
In terms of economic advantages, the strategy anticipates a 15 percent reduction in the average cost of electricity generation by 2030 through cost-competitive solutions. Diversifying generation sources will also promote energy security and stability in the energy sector. To ensure a reliable transition to renewable energy, the strategy adopts a balanced approach combining large-scale renewable energy installations with high-efficiency thermal generation powered by natural gas.
Kahramaa plays a pivotal role in the implementation of QNRES by regulating and defining renewable energy regulations, executing deployment programs, managing stakeholder interaction, and supporting research and innovation initiatives.
In preparation for the distributed renewable energy program, Kahramaa has commenced the acceptance of applications for accredited solar panels and inverters from distributors and manufacturers. Net-billing will be implemented for distributed renewable energy generation, allowing prosumers to sell surplus power to the grid at a fixed price, thereby lowering electricity bills and encouraging investments in solar PV.
With the collective efforts of stakeholders in Qatar’s energy sector, the aim is to achieve the goals outlined in the strategy and encourage initiatives, scientific research, and cooperation to build a sustainable future. |
