The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has outlined a substantial investment plan of up to Dh200 billion (approximately $54 billion) through 2030 aimed at expanding its clean energy sector and addressing rising electricity demand driven by economic growth and population increases. The program, announced by Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, forms part of the country's broader strategy to diversify energy sources, enhance generation capacity, improve efficiency, and reduce emissions.
The UAE has made significant progress in increasing its renewable energy capacity over the past decade, growing from 129 megawatts in 2015 to more than 8.2 gigawatts in 2025—a more than 63-fold increase. In terms of electricity generation, clean energy accounted for 32.4 percent of the national mix in 2025, nearing the government’s target of 35 percent by 2031. This clean energy portfolio includes both renewable sources and peaceful nuclear power, which Al Mazrouei emphasized as critical to diversifying the energy supply.
The Minister highlighted that the energy strategy balances the dual objectives of ensuring energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “A successful energy transition requires a diversified energy mix that ensures reliable supplies, increases the share of clean energy, and meets future demand,” he said during remarks on World Energy Day, observed annually on October 22.
Meeting escalating demand from economic development and population growth remains a central driver behind the UAE’s long-term plans. The state expects that expanding clean energy capacity through planned investments will be essential to securing stable, efficient electricity supply. Alongside government initiatives, increased private sector participation and enhanced partnerships across the energy industry are considered key to accelerating project rollout.
Among the priorities outlined are faster implementation of new projects, the creation of financing mechanisms to support expansion, and developing scalable applications for emerging technologies. Al Mazrouei noted the importance of harnessing these innovations to ensure that technological advances translate into practical, operational solutions on a large scale.
In addition to increasing generation capacity, the UAE is focused on improving energy efficiency to optimize consumption and bolster economic value while reducing emissions. The approach involves integrating advancements in technology with a comprehensive long-term planning framework to adapt to evolving economic, climate, and technological challenges.
Internationally, the UAE’s clean energy ambitions extend through investments by Masdar, the renewable energy company with a portfolio surpassing 65 gigawatts, with a goal to reach 100 gigawatts by 2030. These figures represent global activities separate from domestic capacity but reflect the broader national strategy to promote clean energy development.
The upcoming phase of the UAE’s energy plan centers on delivering these initiatives efficiently while fostering financial tools and private sector engagement to support sustained growth. The country’s integrated approach aims to secure reliable energy supply, advance resource efficiency, and strengthen competitiveness as the nation navigates its energy transition over the next decade.