Qatar launches national strategy to boost renewable energy mix
Qatar launches national strategy to boost renewable energy mix Arab News
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The Launch of Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy
RIYADH: The use of solar power and other renewable energy sources is set to boost with the launch of a comprehensive strategy by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp.
Qatar’s Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
The utility, also known as Kahramaa, formulated the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy to add renewable sources to its energy mix. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s commitment to a sustainable future and the goals outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030, according to a report issued by Qatar News Agency.
Qatar’s Potential for Solar Power
With the annual production of more than 2,000 kilowatt hours of solar power per square meter, Qatar is one of the top countries with the highest potential for producing this clean form of energy.
Aims and Objectives of the Strategy
The Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy aims to expand the country’s renewable power generation capacity to approximately 4 gigawatts by 2030, with distributed solar generation contributing around 200 megawatts. This distributed approach will decentralize power generation, ease the burden on the centralized grid, and enhance the overall energy resilience of the nation.
Economic, Environmental, and Security Benefits
The launch of the strategy marks a crucial step toward redefining Qatar’s energy landscape as it promises substantial economic, environmental, and security benefits. The plan is projected to reduce the average cost of electricity generation by 15 percent by 2030 through cost-effective renewable solutions.
Environmental Impact and Carbon Emissions Reduction
In terms of its environmental impact, the strategy supports the reduction of carbon emissions, targeting a 10 percent cut in annual emissions from the power sector and a 27 percent reduction in CO2 intensity per unit of electricity produced.
Energy Security and Diversification
From an energy security perspective, diversifying power sources is crucial as the strategy emphasizes the importance of maintaining system reliability during the transition to renewables. To this end, the strategy proposes a balanced mix of large-scale renewable projects and efficient thermal generation using natural gas.
Kahramaa’s Responsibilities
Kahramaa’s responsibilities under QNRES include regulating renewable energy practices, issuing licenses, monitoring compliance, executing detailed deployment programs, managing stakeholder interactions, and supporting research and innovation initiatives.
Rollout of Distributed Renewable Energy Systems
Moreover, the utility company has begun accepting applications for accredited solar panels and inverters, setting the stage for a comprehensive rollout of distributed renewable energy systems.
Introduction of Net-Billing System
The strategy also included the introduction of net-billing for distributed renewable generation, allowing prosumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid at fixed prices. This system employs bidirectional meters to measure both consumption and surplus electricity exported to the grid, with credits applied to consumers’ accounts to offset future consumption costs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 kilometers of an all-season road |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses Qatar’s strategy to incorporate renewable energy sources into its energy mix, which aligns with SDG 7’s goal of affordable and clean energy. It also highlights the environmental impact and reduction of carbon emissions, connecting to SDG 13’s target of integrating climate change measures into national policies. Additionally, the article mentions the development of infrastructure for renewable energy, linking to SDG 9’s focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
The article mentions Qatar’s aim to expand its renewable power generation capacity to approximately 4 gigawatts by 2030, with distributed solar generation contributing around 200 megawatts. This aligns with Target 7.2 of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The strategy also emphasizes the reduction of carbon emissions, which connects to Target 13.2 of integrating climate change measures into national policies. Furthermore, the development of infrastructure for renewable energy supports Target 9.1 of developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 kilometers of an all-season road
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the targets identified, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 7.2.1 can measure the renewable energy share in Qatar’s total final energy consumption.
– Indicator 13.2.1 can assess the extent to which Qatar has integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into its national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Indicator 9.1.1 can determine the proportion of the population with access to reliable infrastructure for renewable energy.
Overall, these indicators can provide insights into the progress made towards achieving the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 kilometers of an all-season road |
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Fuente: arabnews.com
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