The UAE has emerged among the top 10 countries with the highest installed solar energy capacity per capita in 2023, according to the latest report from Solar Power Europe. With a cumulative capacity of 708 watt/capita, the UAE ranked 10th globally and became the first country from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region on the list.
In the last few years, the UAE has emerged as a pioneer in developing solar energy due to its ambitious goals for a sustainable energy future and a commitment to diversifying its energy mix. The UAE has a few very large solar energy projects that have allowed it to enter the gigawatt (GW) territory for the first time since 2019 in 2023. The country installed 3.1 GW in total with the finalization of the 2 GW Al Dhafra solar power project near Abu Dhabi.
UAE’s solar energy targets
The UAE has set ambitious national targets for solar energy deployment. The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to produce 75 percent of Dubai’s energy from renewable sources by 2050, with interim targets of 7 percent for 2020 and 25 percent for 2030. Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s plan aims to install 5.6 GW solar PV capacity by 2026. These targets underscore the UAE’s long-term vision and commitment to renewable energy adoption.
Top 5 countries
The top five markets in 2023 with the largest installed solar watt per capita were:
- Australia with 1,359 watt/capita
- Netherlands with 1,299 watt/capita
- Germany with 996 watt/capita
- Belgium with 846 watt/capita
- Denmark with 828 watt/capita
The top 10 list also included Estonia, Spain, Japan, and Austria.
Key initiatives
The UAE has implemented multiple projects and initiatives to raise its solar energy production and capacity. Notably, the Al Dhafra Solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) project is the world’s largest single-site solar power plant with a 2 GW capacity and 4 million bifacial solar panels. In addition, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) Solar Park in Dubai has a planned 5 GW capacity, positioning the UAE as a global leader in solar energy production.
In addition, the UAE has worked on promoting rooftop solar installations through initiatives like the Shams Dubai Solar Program. This initiative has facilitated solar installations in over 5,000 residential and commercial systems with a combined 200 MW capacity by 2023.
The UAE has also implemented BIPV and floating solar PV projects to maximize surface utilization for solar power generation. In addition, it has established regulations to enable broader deployment of distributed systems, including rooftop installations.
Future outlook
The report states that the UAE’s solar energy market outlook for 2024-2028 is very promising due to the country’s strong commitment to renewable energy expansion. Solar Power Europe’s report expects the UAE market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12 percent, reaching 3.72 billion kWh by 2028.
In addition to favorable policies and a solid commitment to renewable energy, the UAE’s focus on human capital development and innovation further strengthens its position as a global hub for sustainable development and economic diversification.
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