UAE Solar Energy Market Size
| Study Period | 2020 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Historical Data Period | 2020 - 2022 |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 35.48 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
UAE Solar Energy Market Analysis
The United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market size in terms of installed base is expected to grow from 7.90 gigawatt in 2024 to 36.06 gigawatt by 2029, at a CAGR of 35.48% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Over the medium term, factors such as encouraging government policies and pressure to meet the power demand using renewable energy to decrease dependency on fossils and decrease carbon footprints are significant contributors to the market's growth.
- On the other hand, the rising adoption of alternative clean energy sources is expected to restrain market growth.
- Nevertheless, with the adaption of the visionary UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country is set to increase its clean energy share to 44% by 2050 by investing in nuclear and solar energy. It, in turn, is expected to create several opportunities for the United Arab Emirates solar energy market in the future.
UAE Solar Energy Market Trends
Solar Photovoltaic to Dominate the Market
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) is a technology that generates electricity directly from sunlight via an electronic process that occurs naturally in a semiconductor. The incoming sunlight frees electrons in a semiconductor and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid.
- Photovoltaic (PV) is the most dominant form of solar energy technology in the United Arab Emirates(UAE), with many different projects being built and more currently under construction. Many local kingdoms and major companies, such as Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd, and ACWA Power, formulated their goals and ambitions for solar energy, primarily Solar PV, in the upcoming years.
- This interrelation between government and corporations can be seen in one of the country's most ambitious projects - Al Dhafra solar project, a 2,000 MW photovoltaic (PV) independent power producer (IPP) project. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme and is 60%-owned by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Masdar, government-owned electricity companies. EDF Renewables and Jinko Power own the remaining 40% share. The project will be installed with solar PV modules based on crystalline bifacial module technology. The solar modules will capture sunlight from both sides for better yield. The project includes a low solar PV tariff of USD 1.35 cents/kWh.
- Such collaborations indicate the direct push by the government to fulfill its mandate of renewable energy creation. To further this cause, the government also put forward policies in this regard. In 2022, United Arab Emirate's installed solar PV capacity is around 2940 MW, increased from 2632 MW in 2021.
- The country launched a renewable energy initiative in 2015 named - 'Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.' It is expected to shape the future of Dubai's energy sector over the years and aims to provide up to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050.
- The strategy of the UAE on the solar PV market consists of five main pillars: infrastructure, legislation, funding, building capacities, skills, and creating an environment-friendly electricity mix.
- Among the five pillars, the infrastructure includes endeavors such as the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a planned capacity of 5 GW by 2030 and an investment of around USD 14 billion.
- Therefore, owing to the above points, the photovoltaic segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.
Supportive Government Policies and Clean Energy Tartgets to Drive the Market
- Building on the momentum of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in diversifying the energy mix in the Middle Eastern region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became a pioneer in the area by launching several innovative initiatives, policies, and targets such as 'Energy Strategy 2050'.
- Under Energy Strategy 2050, announced in 2017, the United Arab Emirates set the target to reduce carbon emissions by 70% and increase clean energy usage in the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050, thus saving approximately USD 190 billion by 2050. Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates government aims to invest AED 163 billion by 2050 to counter the growing energy demand.
- Also, some emirates in the United Arab Emirates set different regional clean energy targets. For instance, in 2018, Dubai set 7% clean and renewable energy by 2020 (Target already achieved), increasing to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050. In contrast, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), under its Energy Efficiency and Renewable Strategy 2040, set 30% energy saving targets, 20% water saving, and 20% contribution from renewable by 2040, with a target of 44% renewables by 2050.
- According to International Renewable Energy Agency, in 2022, the total solar energy capacity of the country was around 3040 MW, increased from 2733 MW in 2021.
- In addition, among the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, most of the solar power activity is concentrated in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is expected to account for more than 90% of the total UAE renewable capacity by 2025.
- Besides, Abu Dhabi set a target to meet over 50% of its electricity needs from clean sources (majorly solar energy) by 2030, likely to drive the United Arab Emirates solar energy market during the forecast period.
- Also, Solar leasing and net metering became a game-changer in the United Arab Emirates solar power sector. Under the solar leasing scheme, the building owner does not need to pay an initial investment. It is being covered by solar power service-providing companies and the technical and financial risks associated with setting up the solar plant.
- Therefore, owing to the above points, supportive government policies and clean energy targets are expected to drive the market during the studied period.
UAE Solar Energy Industry Overview
The United Arab Emirates solar energy market is semi-fragmented. Some key market players (not in particular order) include Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Sunergy Solar, MAYSUN SOLAR FZCO, ACWA Power, and CleanMax Mena FZCO.
UAE Solar Energy Market Leaders
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Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)
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Sunergy Solar
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MAYSUN SOLAR FZCO
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ACWA Power
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CleanMax Mena FZCO
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
UAE Solar Energy Market News
- May 2023: ADNOC Distribution announced a key partnership with Emerge, a joint venture between EDF and Masdar, to develop on-site solar power across its service station network. The project will commence in Dubai in 2023 to generate clean energy.
- January 2023: Suntech delivered all 680MW solar modules for China Machine Engineering Corporation (CMEC)'s Al Dhafra PV2 Solar Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. It further advances the construction of the world's largest single-site solar power plant.
UAE Solar Energy Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Scope of the Study
- 1.2 Market Definition
- 1.3 Study Assumptions
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET OVERVIEW
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Installed Capacity and Forecast, till 2028
- 4.3 Recent Trends and Developments
- 4.4 Government Policies and Regulations
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4.5 Market Dynamics
- 4.5.1 Drivers
- 4.5.1.1 Rising Government Policies to Support Solar PV Installation
- 4.5.1.2 Rising Installation of Renewable Energy to Reduce Dependency on Fossil Fuels
- 4.5.2 Restraints
- 4.5.2.1 Rising Adoption of Alternative Clean Energy Sources such as Wind, Geothermal, Bioenergy, and Others
- 4.6 Supply Chain Analysis
- 4.7 PESTLE Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Technology
- 5.1.1 Photovoltaic
- 5.1.2 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
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5.2 Deployment
- 5.2.1 Utility
- 5.2.2 Commercial and Industrial
- 5.2.3 Residential
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
- 6.2 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
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6.3 Company Profiles
- 6.3.1 Canadian Solar Inc.
- 6.3.2 JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd
- 6.3.3 Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)
- 6.3.4 Sunergy Solar
- 6.3.5 City Solar
- 6.3.6 Enerwhere
- 6.3.7 ACWA Power
- 6.3.8 MAYSUN SOLAR FZCO
- 6.3.9 CleanMax Mena FZCO
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
- 7.1 The Adaption Of Visionary United Arab Emirates Energy Strategy 2050
UAE Solar Energy Industry Segmentation
Solar energy is heat and radiant light from the Sun that can be harnessed with technologies such as solar power (used to generate electricity) and solar thermal energy (used for applications such as water heating).
The United Arab Emirates solar energy market is segmented by technology and deployment. By technology, the market is segmented into solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). By deployment, the market is segmented into utility, commercial and industrial, and residential. For each segment market sizing and forecasts are based on installed capacity.
| Technology | Photovoltaic |
| Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) | |
| Deployment | Utility |
| Commercial and Industrial | |
| Residential |
UAE Solar Energy Market Research FAQs
How big is the United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market?
The United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market size is expected to reach 7.90 gigawatt in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 35.48% to reach 36.06 gigawatt by 2029.
What is the current United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market size?
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market size is expected to reach 7.90 gigawatt.
Who are the key players in United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market?
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Sunergy Solar, MAYSUN SOLAR FZCO, ACWA Power and CleanMax Mena FZCO are the major companies operating in the United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market.
What are the emerging trends in the UAE Solar Energy Market?
The emerging trends in the UAE Solar Energy Market are a) Integration of smart technologies and net metering policies b) Green building initiatives, research and development efforts c) Electric vehicle integration with solar charging infrastructure
Solar Power in UAE Industry Report
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) solar energy market has experienced substantial growth, driven by supportive government policies, decreasing costs of solar technologies, and a heightened awareness of the environmental benefits of renewable energy. The United Arab Emirates Solar Power market is characterized by a dynamic ecosystem influenced by various factors, including government initiatives, technological advancements, and market competition. Key market segments include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which dominate the market, and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Despite challenges such as grid integration and land availability, opportunities abound in distributed generation, energy storage, and solar desalination. Solar Energy companies in UAE are poised to benefit from the market's future outlook, which remains optimistic with ongoing investments and technological advancements expected to drive further growth and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. Statistics for the United Arab Emirates Solar Energy market share, size, and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports, provide a comprehensive analysis. The United Arab Emirates Solar Energy analysis includes a market forecast outlook and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
