KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has the 10th highest solar capacity per capita, due to the country's exponential rise in installed solar capacity last year, according to a new report by Belgium-based Solar Photovoltaic (PV) industry association, Solar Power Europe.
The "Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028" found that the UAE produced 708 Watts per Capita in 2023, a 308 W/Capita increase from 2022, the largest increase within the top 10 per capita producers in 2023.
"The UAE has firmly established itself as a leader in solar PV development by completing numerous large-scale projects in 2023. Most notably, the world's largest single-site solar power plant, the 2 GW Al Dhafra solar PV project, which was commissioned in November 2023," said Tannishtha Das and Hinde Liepmannsohn from the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) in the report.
"This achievement is a testament to the country's 'relentless efforts to enhance the amount of renewable energy in the entire power mix' and its commitment to a sustainable energy future. The UAE's growth in the renewable energy sector highlights its dedication to increasing the share of clean energy in its power generation."
In 2023, the UAE installed approximately 2.6GW of new capacity, in line with its ambitious targets to reach net-zero in the energy sector by 2050, and produce 19.8 GW of clean energy by 2030.
This saw the country jump in rankings, becoming the only country from the region in the top 10, where it joined several European nations, including the Netherlands and Germany as well Australia and Japan.
Standing out in the region is no trivial feat, with the Middle East and Africa experiencing 78 percent in solar in 2023, which included notable increases Saudi Arabia which added 1.9GW of new capacity to its grid.
Nevertheless, the region still only made up 3.5 percent of the global market, which is still heavily dominated by China, leaving substantial room for growth.
Looking forward, the combination of both favourable policies and a clear commitment to renewable energy on a government level was seen as an indicator of positive things to come.
With the report predicting an average of 12 percent growth in capacity in the next four years.
"The UAE's solar PV market outlook for 2024-2028 is highly promising, driven by its strong commitment to renewable energy expansion. Key projects like the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant and the MBR Solar Park indicate significant growth potential, with around 2 GW of renewable energy installations expected annually," they said.