Qatar is well known as one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas producing and exporting nations in the world. In recent years, Qatar has taken significant steps towards diversification of its energy sources with a view to reducing its carbon emissions. Qatar targets 20% of its electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2030, and a carbon zero footprint by 2050. This strategy has and will continue to drive significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Qatar's current primary renewable energy focus is solar energy and waste-to-energy sources.

Solar power

Qatar's first major solar energy plant, Al Kharsaah, opened in October 2022 and comprises more than 1.8 million solar panels expected to generate around 2 TWh of electricity per year. Qatar announced a US$630 million investment in two further solar plants in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan industrial cities. The two further solar power plants have a combined peak capacity of 880 MW and are expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

Waste-to-energy

Qatar is exploring waste-to-energy solutions as a viable form of renewable energy to further diversify its energy portfolio. Currently, the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre in Mesaieed generates 50 MW of electricity per day. In June 2022, Qatar announced plans to enhance its recycling initiative by establishing a new waste management centre, where electricity will be generated by recycling and processing waste.

Wind energy potential

Qatar is exploring the viability of large-scale wind farm projects in the country and has completed a study to set up a wind farm project with a significant potential capacity in the northern part of the country. Such projects will require significant investment should they go ahead.

Legal and regulatory framework

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), which is responsible for regulating the electricity and water sectors in Qatar, has published regulations, standards and specifications for electricity generation, transmission and distribution (including solar). Qatar might wish to consider creating a legal or regulatory framework tailored to support the development of renewable energy by drawing on the experiences of other countries. Examples of renewable energy schemes for which a robust legal or regulatory framework could be enacted include contracts for difference, carbon pricing, green bonds, carbon capture and storage, and renewable energy certification.

The renewable energies market in Qatar is at varying points in the project life cycle and is likely to require stakeholders to deal with issues ranging from regulations through to procurement and project delivery. Dentons' projects offering means we are well placed to assist clients at any stage of the project life cycle as Qatar further invests in renewable energy production.