BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH SDG 7

Qatar has a distinctive relationship with SDG 7 as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The country has achieved universal access to electricity and clean cooking, but its energy system remains overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels. In 2023, renewable energy represented only 0.7% of total final energy consumption (United Nations Statistics Division, n.d.). 

At the same time, Qatar is using its considerable financial and energy resources to develop solar power and diversify electricity generation. Its National Renewable Energy Strategy aims to reach 4 GW of utility-scale renewable capacity by 2030 and increase renewables to 18% of the electricity mix (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, 2024). 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Qatar’s principal challenge is balancing its role as a global LNG power with the transition towards cleaner domestic energy. Natural gas continues to dominate electricity production, while rising economic and industrial activity is increasing electricity demand. In 2023, gas-fired plants represented approximately 94% of installed generating capacity (International Energy Agency, 2025, p. 93). 

Nevertheless, solar development has accelerated rapidly. Qatar commissioned the 800 MW Al Kharsaah solar plant in 2022, and total solar PV capacity reached almost 1.7 GW by the end of 2024. Further projects and the 2030 renewable-energy strategy demonstrate an effort to diversify the electricity sector while maintaining Qatar’s major role in global natural-gas markets (International Energy Agency, 2025, p. 93).

LIST OF REFERENCES

International Energy Agency. (2025). Electricity 2025: Analysis and forecast to 2027. https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-2025

International Energy Agency. (n.d.). Qatar. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.iea.org/countries/qatar

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation. (2024). Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy. https://www.km.qa/RenewableEnergy/Documents/QNRES%20Strategy%20ENG.pdf

United Nations Statistics Division. (n.d.). SDG Country Profile: Qatar. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/dataportal/countryprofiles/qat