UAE Targeting 35% Clean Energy By 2030-2031: Minister Of Energy And Infrastructure
Umer Jamshaid
Published September 01, 2026 | 05:30 PM
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 01st Sep, 2026) Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated that the UAE has elevated its clean energy target, encompassing nuclear and renewable sources, to 35% by 2030-2031.
In an interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of Middle East Energy 2026, which opened on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until September 3rd, Al Mazrouei revealed that achieving this target necessitates new projects, intensified competition, and broader opportunities for the private sector in power generation.
He further emphasized that the UAE continually monitors and updates its energy strategy in response to declining costs and ongoing technological advancements. The country has a long-term vision to diversify its energy generation sources and maintain sufficient surplus capacity to cater to diverse population needs.
In this context, Al Mazrouei highlighted efforts to enhance grids and construct new power plants to minimize losses, boost efficiency, and attain the best possible electricity selling prices, with future reductions in sight. He noted that renewable energy prices have continued to decrease due to expanded projects and technological innovations.
Moreover, energy storage technologies have significantly advanced, with batteries now capable of storing power for up to 24 hours at competitive rates, compared to just two or three hours previously. This development has enabled solar energy to provide round-the-clock supply, rendering it comparable to natural gas, nuclear power, and other baseload energy sources while offering encouraging and competitive prices.
Solar power also offers sustainability benefits by not emitting carbon dioxide, reflecting the success of the UAE’s strategy, which will continue to bolster the country’s capabilities in this domain.
Regarding private sector involvement, Al Mazrouei underscored that the UAE’s power generation sector has long been receptive to private participation. He noted that the decision to privatize the sector decades ago led to cost reductions, intensified competition, and the application of the highest governance standards. This approach has positioned the UAE among the world’s leading countries in terms of electricity costs.
The country boasts companies capable of competing globally, securing competitive prices, and winning international projects, as exemplified by Masdar, Etihad, and other national entities effectively operating in various nations.
Looking ahead, Al Mazrouei predicted that the energy sector will pivot around expanding cleaner energy sources, strengthening electricity interconnections between countries, significantly enhancing transmission network efficiency, and reducing losses.
