GlobalData: Qatar solar share in power capacity to reach 25.9% by 2035

what happened

Qatar is accelerating the development of utility-scale solar projects to diversify its power mix, reduce domestic natural gas use and lower emissions. Gas-fired generation will nevertheless remain essential for reliable electricity and water supplies, Zawya reported, citing GlobalData.

GlobalData projects that renewables will account for 25.9% of Qatar’s total installed power capacity in 2035, up from 12% in 2025. Overall installed capacity is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% over the decade, while solar photovoltaic capacity is forecast to grow at 12.4% a year. Facilities at Al Kharsaah, Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, together with the large-scale Dukhan project, illustrate the move toward a hybrid power system.

Natural gas is still expected to represent about 74% of installed capacity in 2035. Gas-fired combined-cycle and cogeneration plants serving Independent Water and Power Projects provide capacity during peak summer demand and thermal energy for seawater desalination. Reaching the planned 4GW renewable target by 2030 will require more flexible gas generation and upgraded grid management. The transition is supported by Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy and Kahramaa’s net-billing regulations.

why it matters

A larger solar fleet could free some gas volumes for LNG exports, but gas-fired capacity will remain important for balancing intermittent solar output, desalination and rising industrial demand.

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