The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has raised its renewables power generation target to account 35% of its energy mix by 2031, with a focus on increasing private sector participation and competition in electricity generation, Energy Minister Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei said on September 5.

Al Mazrouei highlighted the growing economic competitiveness of solar power, with advances in technology, larger project sizes and lower equipment costs making renewables increasingly affordable.

He also noted that battery storage improvements are also boosting reliability, with modern systems now able to store electricity for up to 24 hours at competitive costs, compared with two to three hours previously.

The minister said this could allow solar power to provide electricity around the clock, making it a reliable alternative to conventional sources such as natural gas and nuclear power while producing no carbon emissions during generation.

The UAE is strengthening its electricity infrastructure with investments in modern grids, efficient power plants and reserve capacity, expected to reduce transmission losses and support lower consumer costs.

Al Mazrouei pointed to the country's experience with privatization in the power sector, saying greater private investment helped cut generation costs and improve competition, with UAE energy companies expanding internationally.

The UAE has developed a number of massive-scale solar and energy storage projects, taking advantage of its high solar irradiation, desert landscapes and large migrant workforce.

The state-run renewables developer Masdar reached financial close on what it called the "first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project" in July. The 5.2-GW "round the clock" solar-plus-storage system represents a total capital investment of $6.1 billion and started construction in October 2025.

Earlier this year, the company also reached financial close on the 1.5-GW Khazna solar project in Abu Dhabi, developed in partnership with French energy major Engie.

Looking ahead, the UAE will focus on increasing clean energy deployment, strengthening electricity interconnections with neighboring countries and improving transmission efficiency to support the transition while maintaining affordable supply.