Qatar is actively developing renewable energy, despite its status as one of the largest exporters of LNG and oil. The opening of the 875 MW solar park (Ras Laffan and Mesaieed) significantly strengthened the country’s position in the field of renewable energy:

Project highlights

• Capacity: 875 MW (more than 1.6 million JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 modules).
• Investment: $630 million (QR 2.3 billion).
• Environmental effect: Reduction of CO₂ emissions by 4.7 million tons / year.
• Total solar generation capacity in Qatar: 1,675 MW (including the Al Kharsaah station with 800 MW from TotalEnergies).

Qatar’s strategy in renewable energy

• Target by 2030: 4 GW of renewable capacity. – Major project in development: Dukhan Solar (2 GW), launch by 2029.
• Solar tariffs: Record low – $0.01567/kWh (under 25-year PPA for Al Kharsaah).

Regional context: the race for leadership in renewable energy

Gulf oil producing countries are actively investing in “green” energy:

• Saudi Arabia plans 100-130 GW of renewable energy by 2030 (NEOM, ACWA Power projects).
• UAE is implementing solar megaparks (Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park – 5 GW by 2030).
• Oman is developing hydrogen + solar energy.

Why are oil monarchies investing in the sun?

1. Economic diversification (reducing dependence on hydrocarbons). 2. The best renewable energy economy – the cost of solar energy in the region is among the lowest in the world.
2. Exporting green technologies (e.g. Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen initiatives).
3. Preparing for the post-oil era – meeting climate commitments (Qatar has pledged to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030).

Conclusion

Qatar, like other Gulf countries, is using oil and gas revenues to transition to low-carbon energy. With plans for 2 GW of Dukhan Solar and other projects, the country could become a model for successful energy transition in the region.