Energy in the United Arab Emirates describes energy and electricity production, consumption and import in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has 7% of global proved oil reserves, about 100 billion barrels.[1] Primary energy usage in 2009 in the UAE was 693 TWh and 151 TWh per million persons.[2]
The UAE is currently transitioning from an electricity generation system nearly 100% powered by gas power plants (2010) to 100% powered by solar, other renewables and nuclear in order to substantially reduce its carbon emissions. It is also rolling out electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
| Population million | Prim. energy TWh | Production TWh | Export TWh | Electricity TWh | CO2-emission Mt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4.32 | 510 | 1,907 | 1,273 | 49.0 | 103 |
| 2007 | 4.37 | 601 | 2,074 | 1,267 | 70.5 | 131 |
| 2008 | 4.48 | 680 | 2,100 | 1,196 | 75.8 | 147 |
| 2009 | 4.60 | 693 | 1,963 | 1,084 | 79.5 | 147 |
| 2010 | 7.51 | 723 | 2,050 | 1,129 | 83.0 | 154 |
| 2012 | 7.89 | 769 | 2,211 | 1,246 | 83.8 | 166 |
| 2012R | 9.21 | 785 | 2,260 | 1,252 | 93.7 | 171 |
| 2013 | 9.35 | 809 | 2,345 | 1,316 | 98.6 | 168 |
| Change 2004-10 | 73.8% | 41.8% | 7.5% | 11.3% | 69.5% | 49.4% |
| Mtoe = 11.63 TWh, Prim. energy includes energy losses 2012R = CO2 calculation criteria changed, numbers updated |
See main article: Oil reserves in the United Arab Emirates. In June 2010 UAE had 6th top global proved oil reserves, about 100 billion barrels, behind Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iran, Iraq and Kuwait. The crude oil production of UAE was more than 4 and less than 5 million barrels daily.[1]
UAE was 4th top crude oil net exporter (108 Mt in 2008) and 10th top crude oil producers (120 Mt in 2009).[4]
UAE has 7th top global proved natural gas reserves, above 6 trillion cubic metres. The global gas production in 2009 was 3 trillion cubic meters.[1]
See main article: Solar power in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has massive solar generation potential, and its energy policy has shifted substantially due to the declining price of solar. The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy aims to provide 7 per cent of Dubai's energy from clean energy sources by 2020. It will increase this target to 25 per cent by 2030 and 75 per cent by 2050.[5]
See main article: Nuclear power in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE is installing nuclear power plants to meet its electricity needs.[6] It has signed an agreement with the U.S. on nuclear cooperation,[7] and is also a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.[8] As of October, 2022, three reactors (out of 4) in the Barakah nuclear power plant are finished, loaded with fuel, and operational. Once all 4 reactors are fully operational they will provide about 5600 MW, or about 25% of electricity energy in United Arab Emirates.
As of August 2020, unit 1 is operational,[9] and as of September 2021, unit 2 is operational. Unit 3 became operational in February 2023.
United Arab Emirates was 6th top carbon dioxide emitter per capita in the world in 2009: 40.31 tonnes per capita. Top countries were (tonnes/capita): Gibraltar 152, U.S. Virgin Islands 114, Qatar 80, Netherlands Antilles 51 and Bahrain 43.[10] All emissions from building and cement production are local but some people may argue that some United Arab Emirates produced fuels and/or goods are consumed abroad.[11] The UAE has begun acting aggressively to reduce its carbon emissions. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans a 250 MW pumped-storage hydroelectricity at Hatta using 880000000usgal of water and 300 meter above a lower dam.[12]
UAE is planning to generate half of its electrical energy by 2050 from solar and nuclear sources, targeting 44% renewables, 38% gas, 12% clean coal, and 6% nuclear energy sources.[13]
The UAE intends to introduce electrification into the vehicle park. By 2030, the UAE wants to have 40.000 electric cars on its roads.[14] As of September 2020, there were only 1.900 electric cars registered in the UAE.[15]
In February 2024, British firm Hycap opened offices in Abu Dhabi, UAE, planning a hydrogen-focused complex in the region.[16]