The UAE’s renewable energy capacity has risen more than 63-fold over the past decade, reaching over 8.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, up from 129 megawatts (MW) in 2015, according to Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei.
Clean energy accounted for 32.4% of electricity generation last year, and the country is targeting 35% by 2031. The government plans to invest up to AED 200bn in clean energy projects through 2030, with a stronger emphasis on private sector participation and new generation capacity. Nuclear power remains central to the mix: the 5.6GW Barakah plant in Abu Dhabi supplies 25% of national electricity needs and avoids around 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Meanwhile, the targeted 2030 capacity of Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has been raised by 60%.
Abu Dhabi-based Masdar’s investments have reached roughly USD 45bn, and its clean energy portfolio now exceeds 65GW, with a 100GW target for 2030.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer