Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES)
The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) has recently launched the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES). This strategy aims to increase large-scale renewable power generation to about 4 GW through the installation of distributed solar generation, up to around 200 MW by 2030. This is to reduce pressure on the central grid infrastructure and enhance energy sustainability with an allocated implementation budget of more than 17 million dollars.
The 3rd National Development Strategy (NDS3) focuses on ‘Sustainable Economic Growth’ which identified two crucial areas: 1) the development of a high-quality and sustainable infrastructure and 2) the optimization and sustainable use of natural resources. Renewable energy plays an important role in achieving those goals and it is also key to support Qatar in delivering on its National Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment and its National Environmental Strategy, which aims to reduce Qatar’s GHG emissions by 25% by the year 2030.
The QNRES emphasizes an ambitious goal that aims to increase renewable energy’s share of the power mix from its current 5 percent to 18 percent by 2030. Currently thermal electricity generating stations account for more than 90 percent of Qatar’s total capacity. There is room for improvement on the existing scenario, and bringing online new renewable energy sources could be a beneficial solution to meet demand and reduce carbon emissions.
Sub-sectors with strong market potential
The key sector to add to the Qatar energy mix is solar energy. The list below provides the key sub-sectors in this industry:
• Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems
• Energy efficiency solutions - dispatchable efficient gas-fired generation
• Smart solutions, including artificial intelligence and digitization
• Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) solutions
• Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
• Transportation Electrification and Automotive Technologies
• Power Electronics Converters
• Cyber-Physical Systems and Internet of Things in Smart Grid – technologies and applications
• Research and Development – potential pilot projects on renewables, and energy efficiency and savings
Next Steps for the U.S. Client
U.S. companies in the renewable energy sector have a strong worldwide reputation for innovative technologies, quality, consulting, and after-sale service, and are well-positioned to compete in Qatar’s growing clean energy market.
U.S. companies offering quality solutions that match these opportunities should work with Commercial Specialist Golda Agnazata (Golda.Agnazata@trade.gov) at the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar to explore matchmaking, market research, and other assistance.
Participate in U.S. trade shows
U.S. firms should reach out to CS Qatar to note participation in U.S. trade shows in the energy, and environmental technologies sectors. CS Qatar often recruits delegations to key shows and can introduce U.S. company executives to Qatari industry representatives and government officials at these shows.
Upcoming U.S. trade shows
• RE+ on September 9-12, 2024, Anaheim Convention Center & Campus in Anaheim, California. RE+ brings the modern energy industry together to foster a cleaner future. What began as Solar Power International (SPI) has evolved into RE+, uniting an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders for multiple days of programming and networking opportunities and education content across the clean energy industry including solar, energy storage, hydrogen, microgrids, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy.
• Powergen International on February 11-13, 2025, Dallas, Texas.
The largest networking and business hub for electricity generators and solution providers engaged in power generation. Power producers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, OEMs, and large-scale energy users gather at POWERGEN International to discover new solutions as large, centralized power generation business models evolve into cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
• Distributech International on March 25-27, Dallas, Texas
The leading annual transmission and distribution event addresses technologies used to move electricity from the power plant through the transmission and distribution systems to the meter and inside the home or business.
Conduct Market Research
U.S. firms should closely monitor the following resources (hyperlinks included) to learn more about Qatar’s unique market and review potential opportunities:
• Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation ‘KAHRAMAA’, for any information and updates on power, water and energy mix related activities and announcements
• Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) for research and pilot project opportunities
• Al-Attiyah Foundation for upcoming webinars, symposia, and energy and renewables sector-related events in Qatar
• QE’s sustainability report to view QatarEnergy’s areas of focus for their sustainability, clean tech, and energy efficiency needs.
For more information about opportunities in this sector, please contact: Golda Agnazata, Commercial Specialist, Golda.Agnazata@trade.gov