Qatar Doubles Solar Capacity with Inauguration of Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Solar Power Plants

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Representational image. Credit: Canva

QatarEnergy has officially inaugurated the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, adding a combined 875 megawatts (MW) to the nationโ€™s renewable energy capacity. The launch brings Qatarโ€™s total solar output to 1,675 MW, marking a significant step in the country’s clean energy transition.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Ras Laffan Industrial City, was presided over by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar. Also in attendance were Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, along with senior energy sector officials.

In his remarks, Minister Al-Kaabi described the commissioning of the two solar plants as a milestone in Qatarโ€™s environmental strategy, aligning with the fourth pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030โ€”sustainable environmental management in harmony with social and economic development.

โ€œThese solar power plants are vital to our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy sustainability, and diversify electricity sources,โ€ said Al-Kaabi. โ€œTogether, Ras Laffan and Mesaieed are expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4.7 million tons annually.โ€

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The minister also noted that the two new plants, combined with the operational Al-Kharsaah facility, will supply around 15% of Qatarโ€™s peak electricity demand. This share is expected to rise to 30% by 2029, once the 2,000 MW Dukhan solar power plant comes online.

Al-Kaabi emphasized Qatarโ€™s shift toward national expertise in implementing renewable energy projects, stating, โ€œWe are no longer relying on foreign capabilities alone. Our local teams have taken charge in building and managing these projects, and we are proud of their accomplishments.โ€

He concluded by thanking all project partners and expressed gratitude to the Amir for his leadership and support in advancing the countryโ€™s energy goals.


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