QatarEnergy Announces 2,000 MW Solar Project to Boost Renewable Capacity

QatarEnergy has announced a significant expansion of its solar energy capacity with the launch of the Dukhan Solar Power Plant, a new photovoltaic project with a generation capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW). Scheduled to begin operations by 2030, this plant will more than double Qatar’s current solar power capacity, bringing it to approximately 4,000 MW. This major development is part of QatarEnergy's broader effort to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

The Dukhan Solar Power Plant is expected to have a substantial environmental impact, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by more than 4.7 million tons annually. This initiative aligns with Qatar's strategic goal to diversify its energy sources and significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, emphasized the importance of this project as a key component of Qatar’s commitment to sustainability and its renewable energy strategy.

Currently, Qatar operates an 800 MW solar facility, the Al Kharsaa project, which became operational in 2022. In addition, QatarEnergy is developing two more solar projects in the industrial cities of Mesaieed and Ras Laffan, with a combined capacity of 875 MW. These projects are expected to start generating power by the end of this year, further boosting the country's solar energy capacity.

By 2030, with the addition of the Dukhan Solar Power Plant, QatarEnergy’s solar power portfolio will reach around 4,000 MW. This will account for approximately 30% of Qatar’s total electrical power production capacity. Presently, Qatar relies heavily on gas-powered thermal plants, which make up over 90% of its power generation. However, the country is making gradual strides toward integrating more renewable energy sources into its power mix.

Qatar benefits from high solar potential, with some of the highest global horizontal irradiance levels, which makes solar energy an attractive option for the country. The levelized cost of solar energy has significantly decreased in recent years, dropping from about 4 U.S. cents per kWh in 2017 to around 1.5 U.S. cents per kWh last year. This trend is expected to continue, further enhancing the feasibility and attractiveness of solar investments in Qatar.