Qatar is accelerating the development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to diversify its electricity generation mix, reduce natural gas consumption in the power sector and lower emissions, according to GlobalData. The country is aiming to increase renewable energy’s share of total power capacity from 12.0% in 2025 to 25.9% by 2035, while continuing to depend on natural gas to maintain a reliable electricity supply.
According to GlobalData’s report, “Qatar Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035,” the country’s installed power capacity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% between 2025 and 2035. Solar PV capacity is projected to expand at a faster CAGR of 12.4% during the same period, making it the primary driver of capacity growth.
Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Power Analyst at GlobalData, said Qatar’s power sector was moving from complete reliance on natural gas towards a hybrid model combining conventional and renewable energy sources. The country’s renewable energy strategy is supporting the development of large-scale solar facilities, including Al Kharsaah and recently commissioned plants at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. The large-scale Dukhan solar development is also contributing to the expansion of clean electricity generation.
Despite the expected growth in solar power, natural gas will remain central to Qatar’s electricity and water infrastructure. Gas-fired combined-cycle power plants and cogeneration facilities supply electricity while providing thermal energy for seawater desalination. These facilities are particularly important during the summer, when demand for electricity rises significantly because of cooling requirements.
GlobalData expects natural gas to account for approximately 74% of Qatar’s cumulative installed power capacity in 2035. Gas-fired plants will also help balance fluctuations in solar generation, particularly during periods when sunlight availability changes, while supporting the continuous operation of desalination facilities.
Saibasan highlighted the importance of flexible gas generation and modern grid management to accommodate Qatar’s planned renewable energy target of 4 GW by 2030 without affecting system reliability.
The country’s energy transition is guided by the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Other initiatives include the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, emissions-reduction commitments under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution and net-billing regulations introduced by Kahramaa for distributed renewable generation.
Qatar also follows a single-buyer electricity market model, with Kahramaa purchasing electricity and desalinated water through long-term agreements. This structure helps reduce market risks for project developers and investors.
GlobalData said expanding solar generation would allow Qatar to free up natural gas for liquefied natural gas exports while reducing domestic emissions. However, continued investment in transmission infrastructure, grid flexibility and coordination with existing power and water projects will remain essential to achieving these goals.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
