Redefining Qatar’s Energy Landscape: Kahramaa Launches National Renewable Energy Strategy
In a groundbreaking move, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp, also known as Kahramaa, has unveiled the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy to incorporate renewable energy sources into its energy mix.
This strategic initiative, developed in collaboration with 22 key energy stakeholders, aligns with Qatar’s commitment to sustainability as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030, according to a report by Qatar News Agency.
Harnessing Solar Power in Qatar
Qatar, renowned for its annual production of over 2,000 kilowatt hours of solar power per square meter, stands as one of the top countries with immense potential for generating clean energy.
The ambitious goal of the strategy is to increase Qatar’s renewable power generation capacity to approximately 4 gigawatts by 2030, with a focus on adding around 200 megawatts through distributed solar generation. This approach aims to decentralize power generation, reduce strain on the centralized grid, and enhance the nation’s energy resilience.
Driving Economic, Environmental, and Security Benefits
The launch of the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy signifies a pivotal moment in reshaping Qatar’s energy sector, with promising economic, environmental, and security advantages on the horizon.
By 2030, the plan is expected to lower the average cost of electricity generation by 15% through cost-effective renewable solutions. Environmentally, the strategy targets a 10% reduction in annual emissions from the power sector and a 27% decrease in CO2 intensity per unit of electricity produced.
From a security standpoint, diversifying power sources is crucial, with the strategy emphasizing the importance of maintaining system reliability during the transition to renewables. A balanced mix of large-scale renewable projects and efficient thermal generation using natural gas is proposed to achieve this goal.
Regulating Renewable Energy Practices
Under the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, Kahramaa is tasked with regulating renewable energy practices, issuing licenses, ensuring compliance, executing deployment programs, managing stakeholders, and fostering research and innovation initiatives.
Additionally, Kahramaa has opened applications for accredited solar panels and inverters, paving the way for a comprehensive rollout of distributed renewable energy systems. The strategy also introduces net-billing for distributed renewable generation, allowing prosumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid at fixed prices.
With bidirectional meters tracking consumption and surplus electricity exported to the grid, consumers receive credits to offset future consumption costs, fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem in Qatar.