The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strengthening its renewable energy infrastructure, with nearly 18 GW of clean energy capacity currently in the development pipeline. According to EICDataStream data presented at the EIC Connect UAE event in Abu Dhabi, the country has 17,980 MW of renewable energy capacity across 14 projects scheduled to come online by 2030.
The planned renewable projects highlight the UAE’s growing focus on expanding clean power capacity as it works to diversify its energy mix. Alongside renewable energy, the country is also developing nine conventional power projects that are expected to add 12,947 MW of capacity.
Overall, the UAE currently has 136 energy projects under development, representing an estimated capital expenditure of around $210 billion. Renewable energy projects account for about 11% of this investment pipeline, making clean power one of the important areas of future energy development.
Hydrogen is another major part of the UAE’s clean energy strategy, accounting for around 9% of the overall project pipeline. Power transmission and distribution projects represent 8%, while conventional power accounts for 7%. Carbon capture and energy storage each represent about 4% of the pipeline, reflecting increasing interest in technologies that can support decarbonisation and integrate renewable power into the electricity system.
Despite the scale of planned investments, many projects have not yet reached final investment decision. Industry experts have highlighted the importance of effective contracting, appropriate risk-sharing arrangements and stronger coordination between project developers, contractors and equipment suppliers to move projects toward construction.
The growth of renewable energy is also creating opportunities across the wider power infrastructure supply chain. As solar and other clean energy projects expand, demand is expected to increase for transformers, switchgear, grid infrastructure, energy storage systems and other equipment required to connect new generation capacity.
At the same time, rising electricity demand from large-scale data centres is creating additional opportunities for power infrastructure. These facilities require reliable and high-capacity electricity systems, creating demand for technologies such as gas turbines, transformers, switchgear and battery storage.
The UAE is also linking its energy transition with waste management and resource recovery. Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer Group is targeting an 80% reduction in waste sent to landfills by 2031. It is developing two material recovery facilities with a combined sorting capacity of 800,000 tonnes annually. The Al Bihouth waste-to-energy plant is also planned to process up to 900,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year and generate electricity for around 52,000 homes.
With nearly 18 GW of renewable capacity planned by 2030, the UAE is continuing to expand clean energy while developing supporting infrastructure and technologies for a more diversified and sustainable energy system.
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