UAE Plans $54.5Bn Clean Energy Investment As Renewable Capacity Rises 63-Fold
The UAE plans to invest up to AED200bn ($54.5bn) in clean energy projects through 2030 as the country’s renewable energy capacity has increased more than 63-fold over the past decade.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the investments would support clean energy development and meet rising electricity demand driven by economic and population growth.
Speaking ahead of World Energy Day on October 22, Al Mazrouei said the UAE’s renewable energy capacity had risen from 129 megawatts in 2015 to more than 8.2 gigawatts in 2025.
Clean energy accounted for 32.4 per cent of the country’s electricity generation in 2025, with a target of increasing that share to 35 per cent by 2031.
UAE targets AED200bn in clean energy investment
Al Mazrouei said the planned national investment of up to AED200bn ($54.5bn) through 2030 would help expand clean energy projects and support growing demand.
The investment strategy also includes greater private-sector participation and stronger partnerships across the energy industry.
Al Mazrouei said: “Our vision for the future of energy is based on the understanding that energy security and emissions reduction are complementary goals. A successful energy transition requires a diversified energy mix that ensures reliable supplies, increases the share of clean energy, and meets future demand”.
He added that the UAE was taking a long-term approach to energy planning, combining investment in generation capacity with improvements in energy efficiency.
UAE renewable energy capacity rises to 8.2GW
The UAE’s renewable energy capacity increased more than 63-fold between 2015 and 2025, rising from 129MW to more than 8.2GW.
The expansion forms part of efforts to diversify electricity generation while maintaining reliable supplies.
Al Mazrouei highlighted the role of renewable and nuclear energy in supporting the country’s clean energy objectives.
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has a generation capacity of 5.6GW and supplies 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity needs, according to the minister.
He said the plant also prevents 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The UAE has also increased the targeted generation capacity of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park by 60 per cent for 2030.
Masdar investments reach $45bn
Al Mazrouei said Masdar’s investments had reached approximately $45bn, helping expand its clean energy portfolio to more than 65GW.
The company is targeting a portfolio of 100GW by 2030.
Alongside domestic energy development, the UAE is expanding international investments and partnerships to diversify its energy mix and strengthen energy security.
The minister also highlighted the UAE Consensus, which established a global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, which supports efforts to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements.
Looking ahead, Al Mazrouei said the UAE would focus on accelerating energy projects, attracting private investment, developing financing mechanisms and deploying emerging technologies at scale.
The country’s priorities also include improving resource efficiency and reducing emissions while ensuring the energy system can meet future economic and population growth.