Developing wind and solar power in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy, demonstrating a strong commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio beyond traditional oil and gas reserves. In 2017, the UAE unveiled its Energy Strategy 2050, aiming to achieve a 44% share of renewable energy in the nation’s energy mix by mid-century. This ambitious plan is supported by a projected investment of approximately USD 163 billion in renewable energy projects. The strategy emphasizes the development of solar energy, waste-to-energy, wind power, and water treatment technologies, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

Central to the UAE’s renewable energy expansion is the rapid growth of its solar energy sector. The country is home to some of the world’s largest solar projects, including the 5 gigawatt (GW) solar plant equipped with 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery storage, designed to provide a continuous 1 GW output—sufficient to power over 700,000 homes. This project exemplifies the UAE’s strategic investments in large-scale renewable infrastructure, positioning the nation as a hub for innovation in clean energy. Projections indicate that by 2025, electricity generation from the UAE’s solar energy market will reach 10.30 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), with an anticipated annual growth rate of 17.23% from 2025 to 2029.

The UAE’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond its borders, as evidenced by its substantial investments in Africa. Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE invested $110 billion in African projects, with $72 billion allocated to renewable energy initiatives. These investments not only bolster the UAE’s influence in the global energy landscape but also contribute significantly to the energy transitions of African nations. Domestically, the UAE’s renewable energy market was valued at $512.66 million in 2022 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.75% through 2028. This growth trajectory underscores the nation’s strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions and its role as a catalyst for regional and international renewable energy development.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in expanding its solar energy capacity, positioning itself as a leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As of 2023, the UAE’s total installed solar power capacity surpassed 5 gigawatts (GW), a substantial increase from just 133 megawatts (MW) in 2014. This rapid growth is exemplified by the commissioning of the 2 GW Al Dhafra Solar Project in November 2023, which significantly bolstered the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. Notably, the UAE achieved a milestone by ranking 10th globally in installed solar energy capacity per capita in 2023, with 708 watts per capita, making it the first country from the MENA region to enter this top tier.

In addition to its solar advancements, the UAE has recently ventured into wind energy to diversify its renewable energy mix. October 2023 marked the inauguration of the UAE Wind Program, the nation’s first large-scale utility wind power project. This initiative encompasses four wind farms across various locations, including Sir Bani Yas Island, Delma Island, Al Sila in Abu Dhabi, and Al Halah in Fujairah, collectively contributing 103.5 MW of wind energy to the national grid. The deployment of 23 turbines, each with a capacity of 4.5 MW, underscores the UAE’s commitment to harnessing wind resources despite traditionally low wind speeds in the region. This project not only adds a new dimension to the UAE’s renewable energy landscape but also sets the stage for future developments in wind energy within the country.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) significant strides in renewable energy development, particularly in solar power. The UAE has set ambitious targets for expanding renewable capacity as part of its broader energy strategy. The country aims to achieve 50% of its total energy mix from clean energy sources by 2050, with solar and nuclear energy playing central roles in this transition. The UAE’s renewable energy strategy has been a vital part of diversifying its energy mix away from oil and gas, which have traditionally dominated the energy sector. The IEA reports that this shift is in line with global trends where fossil fuel-reliant countries are increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources.

Reuniwatt is active in UAE and is committed to accompany local companies in the energy transition. Reuniwatt had already deployed sky cameras in the region and is actively looking for collaboration with local actors on the energy market to improve intraday solar and wind forecasting as well as day-ahead solar and wind forecasting and boost assets’ performances.