United Arab Emirates energy markets long-term outlook 2019

The UAE government is taking action to diversify the country’s energy mix in order to establish a cleaner profile, lead the region’s energy transition and to reduce the country’s dependency on hydrocarbons and pipeline imports. The power sector, where gas is currently the dominant fuel, is the primary target; ambitious diversification objectives have been set at both emirate and national levels. We expect renewables to penetrate the system heavily from next decade, particularly solar photovoltaic. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also constructing the first coal and nuclear facilities in the region. This new capacity will impact both gas generation and trade. Our report highlights the key energy trends in the UAE, splitting Dubai and Abu Dhabi/Northern emirates for a number of metrics: - How will diversification impact the UAE’s energy mix? - Can the government’s renewables targets be achieved? - Will the UAE continue to rely on pipeline gas from Qatar?