15 January 2026 at 11:49 pm IST
The United Arab Emirates announced that its installed renewable energy capacity has exceeded 7.7 gigawatts (GW), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s energy transition. The announcement was made by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, where he highlighted the rapid expansion of clean energy infrastructure as a cornerstone of the country’s climate strategy. According to the minister, the UAE’s renewable energy capacity has grown by approximately 117 percent between 2022 and 2025, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted policies, strategic investments and sustainable development planning. Current projects under construction and in advanced stages of planning are expected to boost total renewable capacity to more than 23 GW by 2031, further accelerating the nation’s shift away from fossil‑fuel‑dependent power generation. National investment in the renewable and clean energy sector has reportedly surpassed AED 190 billion (approximately US $51 billion), reflecting strong confidence from both public and private stakeholders in the UAE’s energy transition pathway. This funding supports large‑scale solar projects, integration of renewable technologies and initiatives that aim to expand the share of clean energy in the country’s power mix to 35 percent by 2031. The expansion of renewable capacity aligns with the UAE’s broader sustainability objectives, including its Net Zero by 2050 strategic framework and ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources, enhance grid resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Officials also emphasised that integrating the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 into energy planning will further support the development of low‑carbon energy systems, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in sustainable energy transformation.
