UAE plans $54.5 billion clean energy investment through 2030

The UAE plans to invest up to $54.5 billion 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 investment 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 rose from 129 megawatts in 2015 to more than 8.2 gigawatts in 2025.

Clean energy accounted for 32.4% of the country’s electricity generation in 2025, with the UAE targeting a share of 35% by 2031.

Al Mazrouei said the planned investment of up to $54.5 billion through 2030 would help expand clean energy projects and support growing demand. The strategy also includes greater private-sector participation and stronger partnerships across the energy industry.

“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 said.

He added that the UAE was taking a long-term approach to energy planning, combining investment in generation capacity with improvements in energy efficiency.

The country’s energy mix includes renewable and nuclear power. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has a generation capacity of 5.6GW and supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, according to Al Mazrouei. The plant also prevents 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The UAE has increased the targeted generation capacity of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park by 60% for 2030, further expanding its renewable energy ambitions.

Meanwhile, Masdar’s investments have reached approximately $45 billion, helping expand its clean energy portfolio to more than 65GW. The company aims to increase its portfolio to 100GW by 2030.

Alongside domestic projects, the UAE is expanding international investments and partnerships to diversify its energy mix and strengthen energy security.

Al Mazrouei 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.

The UAE plans to accelerate energy projects, attract private investment and deploy new technologies while improving efficiency and reducing emissions to meet future demand.