Photo Credit : WAM
The UAE’s renewable energy capacity has increased more than 63-fold over the past decade, rising from 129 megawatts in 2015 to more than 8.2 gigawatts in 2025, according to Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Olama said the country has made substantial progress across the energy sector, driven by the expansion of clean energy projects, development of the national electricity system, stronger grid interconnections and the adoption of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions.
He said the progress reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to build a secure, sustainable and resilient energy system capable of meeting future demand. The strategy is supported by cooperation between federal and local government entities, national companies and the private sector.
Clean energy accounted for 32.4 percent of the UAE’s electricity generation in 2025, with the country targeting a 35 percent share by 2031.
Electricity generated from clean energy sources exceeded 62.4 gigawatt-hours in 2025, while total installed clean energy capacity reached 13,805 megawatts. The capacity includes nuclear power, photovoltaic solar, concentrated solar power, wind energy and waste-to-energy projects.
Overall electricity generation across the UAE reached 192,735 gigawatt-hours in 2025, compared with total consumption of 174,524 gigawatt-hours.
Al Olama said the figures demonstrate continued progress in diversifying the UAE’s energy mix and strengthening the readiness and efficiency of the national electricity network.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is working with its partners to further develop the electricity market, expand grid interconnection projects, increase clean energy capacity and deploy advanced technologies for grid monitoring and resource management.
Among the key developments is the launch of the Emirates Monitoring Centre, the first national facility of its kind designed to provide real-time monitoring of the UAE’s integrated power network by connecting all four electricity utilities.
As part of the centre’s second phase, a renewable energy management programme was also developed in cooperation with Siemens. The initiative aims to improve grid monitoring and strengthen coordination among entities involved in the national electricity system.
Al Olama also highlighted several transformational energy projects, including initiatives focused on recycling electric and hybrid vehicle batteries and supporting the transition towards greener industrial practices.
The ministry has also carried out two studies and two pilot projects aimed at developing clean energy solutions, improving resource efficiency and supporting the expansion of electric mobility across the country.
According to Al Olama, the UAE’s national energy projects and policies have received several local and international awards in the fields of clean energy, sustainability and electricity markets.
He said the ministry will continue working with government and industry partners to strengthen the national energy system, improve efficiency and enhance preparedness for future demand.
The efforts are expected to support the UAE’s energy security while enabling the sector to keep pace with economic and population growth and advance the country’s clean energy, sustainability and climate neutrality goals.
