Analysts bullish on UAE clean generation 2030 target

Solar power will be its largest source of capacity growth. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to reach its clean generation capacity target of 14 gigawatts (GW) for 2030, mainly driven by solar.

In a report, BMI Country Risks and Industry Analysis said that by 2030, the country’s nuclear capacity is expected to reach 5,524 megawatts (MW) in 2030 from 4,143 MW in 2023.

Non-hydropower renewables will also reach 7,926 MW from 2,659 MW, totalling 13.5 gigawatts.

“With plans to launch additional tenders for renewable energy projects moving forward, this should carry the emirates over the goal line. As a result, solar will overtake traditional thermal generators as the largest source of capacity growth over the back end of our 10-year forecast period,” the report read.

“We also hold a bullish outlook on the power sector, with our analysts anticipating that the UAE will reach its 2030 target of 14GW of clean generation capacity,” BMI added.

The government aims to have clean energy account for 50% of its total power supply, of which 6% are from nuclear and 44% are non-hydropower renewables. This will be supported by 38% gas and 12% clean coal.