UAE to become world's largest solar energy producer by 2031

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will become the world's largest producer of solar energy by 2031.

The agency estimates that the UAE's solar energy production per person will reach 4,000 kilowatt-hours over the next six years. This projection comes as part of a broader trend where renewable energy capacity in the Middle East is expected to triple by 2031.

The IEA notes that while the global average for solar production per person is about 800 kilowatt-hours, the top 10 producing countries will each produce at least 2,000 kilowatt-hours per person by 2031. Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated that the country has raised its clean energy target to 35% by 2030 to 2031.

To reach this goal, the government plans to launch new projects, increase competition, and provide more opportunities for the private sector in power generation. These efforts are intended to help the UAE diversify its economy. The IEA also expects the global renewable energy market to reach approximately 4,800 gigawatts of generating capacity between 2026 and 2031. This represents a 57% increase over the previous six years.

While China will remain the largest market, India is expected to rise to the second largest position. The agency anticipates that the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia will see significant growth in renewable energy capacity due to supportive policies and more competitive costs for wind and solar power.