Energy in the United Arab Emirates

Energy in the United Arab Emirates describes energy and electricity production, consumption and import in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE has 7% of global proved oil reserves, about 100 billion barrels.[1] Primary energy use in 2009 in 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 nuclear, solar and other renewables in order to substantially reduce its carbon emissions. It is also rolling out electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Overview

Energy in the United Arab Emirates[3]

	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

Oil production

A map of world oil reserves according to U.S. EIA, 2017

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]

Gas production

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]

Solar

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]

Nuclear

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 March, 2020, only one reactor (out of 4) in Barakah nuclear power plant is finished, and loaded with fuel, with expected start of operation in the 2020. Once all 4 reactors are fully operational they will provide about 5600 MW, or about 25% of electricity energy in United Arab Emirates.

Climate change

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.[9] 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.[10] 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 3,300,000 cubic metres (880,000,000 US gal) of water and 300 meter above a lower dam.[11]

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.[12]

See also

• List of power stations in the United Arab Emirates
• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
• Abu Dhabi Water Supply
• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
• Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority

References

1. 2011 report on oil and gas companies, Promoting revenue Transparency Transparency International 2011 p.113-114, 116
2. IEA Key energy statistics 2011 Page: Country specific indicator numbers from page 48
3. IEA Key World Energy Statistics 2015, 2014 (2012R as in November 2015 + 2012 as in March 2014 is comparable to previous years statistical calculation criteria, 2013, Archived 2014-09-02 at the Wayback Machine 2012, Archived 2013-03-09 at the Wayback Machine 2011, Archived 2011-10-27 at the Wayback Machine 2010, Archived 2010-10-11 at the Wayback Machine 2009 Archived 2013-10-07 at the Wayback Machine, 2006 Archived 2009-10-12 at the Wayback Machine IEA October, crude oil p.11, coal p. 13 gas p. 15
4. IEA Key statistics 2010
5. http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/dubai-ruler-wants-solar-panels-on-every-roof-by-2030
6. "Nuclear Power in the United Arab Emirates". Country Briefings. World Nuclear Association (WNA). January 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-22.
7. "US-UAE 123 Agreement". Retrieved 5 May 2010.
8. "UAE NPT Signatory". Retrieved 5 May 2010.
9. World carbon dioxide emissions data by country: China speeds ahead of the rest Guardian 31 January 2011
10. Which nations are most responsible for climate change? Guardian 21 April 2011
11. "Dubai to build Persian Gulf's first hydroelectric plant, 880 million gallon 'battery'". Electrek. 23 December 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
12. "UAE's clean energy goals are not limited to solar, says energy minister". World Nuclear News. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.