Electricity in Qatar in 2024
In Qatar, electricity consumption remains highly dependent on fossil energies. As of 2024, close to all electricity in Qatar—99.76%—is generated through fossil fuels, with gas making up the entirety of this category. This overwhelming reliance on fossil-based electricity illustrates a significant area of concern, particularly in terms of sustainability and the environmental impact such energy sources can have, including their contribution to climate change and air pollution. The extremely minimal share of low-carbon electricity presents an opportunity for Qatar to prioritize the diversification of its energy portfolio, investing more in clean energy technologies, which are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Qatar?
In examining whether electricity usage is growing, the latest data suggests a notable increase in consumption in Qatar. In 2024, per-person electricity consumption reached 19,593 kWh, which is a significant rise from the previous high of 18,728 kWh per person in 2022. This represents an increase of 864 kWh per person, showcasing a trend of growing electricity demand. Despite this increase in total consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has slightly declined, with the latest figures at 47 kWh per person falling short of the 53 kWh per person recorded in 2021. This decrease in clean energy generation is concerning, as it does not align with the growing need for sustainable electricity, especially as the demand rises.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Qatar can draw lessons from regions that have successfully integrated significant levels of clean energy into their electricity mix. Countries like France and Slovakia, which generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy, serve as powerful examples of how nuclear energy can significantly contribute to a clean energy future. Similarly, states such as Nevada, which derives about a third of its electricity from solar energy, demonstrate the potential for solar energy in regions with abundant sunlight, making it particularly relevant for Qatar. Emphasizing solar and nuclear energy could not only diversify Qatar’s energy sources but also significantly reduce the nation's carbon footprint.
History
Historically, Qatar's low-carbon electricity generation has stagnated, showing no measurable change from biofuels or solar energy from 2020 to 2024. This consistent lack of movement underscores the urgent need for policy adjustments and investments in clean energy infrastructure to initiate meaningful progress. This period of stagnation highlights the missed opportunities to capitalize on the global shift towards low-carbon electricity. By committing to substantial development in solar and nuclear energy, Qatar can align itself with global trends towards clean electricity, providing a sustainable foundation for future electricity demand.
