Present and future of energy in Qatar

Posted by author December 31, 2024 World

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The prominent German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said: “Energy will do anything that can be done in the world; and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities will make a two-legged animal a man without it.”

Nearly every aspect of modern life in Qatar depends on energy, from powering technological devices and vehicles to supporting industrial activities. Energy has become a fundamental necessity and a driving force shaping our way of life and development. Qatar is a leader in natural gas production and has committed to energy diversification as its National Vision 2030 emphasises sustainability and environmental conservation.

Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources present distinct advantages and disadvantages. Renewable energy offers longer-term sustainability and a lower environmental impact, while non-renewable energy remains more secure, economically viable, and requires no dramatic change in infrastructure. The future of energy requires balancing these trade-offs to ensure energy security, sustainability, environmental protections, and economic viability, highlighting the importance of transitioning toward cleaner energy sources without overlooking current infrastructure and monetary limitations.

One of the most significant advantages of renewable energy is its minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists have estimated that greenhouse gases have increased global temperatures by 1.1C over the last 150 years. These emissions have negatively impacted our environment, including ocean acidification and ecosystem disruption. Qatar recognises the importance of addressing these challenges and is investing in projects, including the Al Kharsaah solar plant, which provides a maximum of 800MW of sustainable energy.

In comparison, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that the median life cycle of greenhouse gas emissions for coal-fired electricity generation are approximately 1,000 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour. This figure is over 20 times higher than emissions from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Through initiatives such as Siraj Energy, Qatar demonstrates its commitment to energy diversification and reducing the consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events and biodiversity loss, as part of its goal to build a more sustainable future.

However, renewable sources have their limitations. As Mahidin Erdiwansyah and colleagues describe, wind and solar energy depend on weather conditions. An unstable energy source can cause product delays and shortages and even halt the development. Furthermore, renewable energy is currently limited by storage technologies that affect its cost and capacity. Battery production can also offset its environmental benefits and could lead to resource depletion. As a result, switching to renewable energy poses short-term economic and logistical challenges. These are challenges that Qatar aims to overcome through innovation and long-term investment. For example, Qatar Science and Technology Park is working towards research and development that aims to enhance storage efficiency and reduce costs, ensuring the reliability and viability of such resources.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas offer several advantages. Most notably, their high energy density allows them to generate large amounts of energy efficiently. Qatar’s large natural gas reserves have positioned the country as a global leader in energy production, explicitly LNG production. This has been done through the use of advanced technology and careful decision-making. Additionally, QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability includes implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems designed to limit carbon dioxide emissions and be used for oil recovery. In parallel, initiatives such as introducing Qatar Rail, a sustainable metro system that has recorded 200mn passengers in the last 5 years, will allow for reduced emissions from gas-powered vehicles. Therefore, by leveraging its expertise in LNG and a long-term investment in energy efficiency, Qatar ensures the security and sustainability of its energy.

Non-renewable energy sources pose significant environmental challenges, with greenhouse gas pollution being a primary concern. Oil spills, coal mining, and drilling contribute to environmental damage through deforestation, open-pit mining, and offshore drilling. Qatar has addressed such challenges through practices like QatarEnergy’s eco-friendly drilling technology, which reduces the environmental footprint when extracting non-renewable resources. According to a study by PNAS, 90% of biodiversity loss is linked to resource extraction associated with non-renewable energy, highlighting the profound ecological impact of reliance on these energy forms. Qatar’s partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute focuses on implementing projects and ensuring sustainable development. This has allowed Qatar to strategically balance itself as a leading natural gas exporter and a nation that values sustainable development.

Balancing the trade-offs between renewable and non-renewable energy sources is essential, as neither provides a perfect solution for all situations. The choice of energy source should be tailored to specific industry needs, weighing cost-effectiveness against the need for reliable energy. For example, the development of the sustainable Lusail City demonstrates how Qatar integrates renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and energy and economically practical technologies, into urban development projects. In contrast, industries like agriculture may prioritise non-renewable energy, as it occupies less land and keeps production costs lower than more expensive renewable alternatives.

Balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth and energy security requires a pragmatic approach, integrating renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Qatar exemplifies this balance through its National Vision 2030, which prioritises sustainable development while leveraging its strengths as a global leader in natural gas production. Rather than advocating for replacing one energy source with another, a collaborative approach emphasising open communication and accurate information sharing is essential. By fostering a more informed understanding of energy issues and working together, we can find a compromise that leverages the strengths of both sources to meet our growing energy demands sustainably.

Jassim Mohammed al-Emadi is Qatari national with a passion for leveraging experience gained from diverse internships at esteemed global institutions to contribute to forward-looking endeavours.