Qatar has made significant strides in developing and implementing cleantech initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and optimising resource use, Invest Qatar has stated in a recent report.

The report, ‘Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Future’, was a joint initiative between Invest Qatar and Doha-based Spanish firm, Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, aimed at highlighting the transformative role of digital technologies in advancing energy efficiency, sustainability, and economic diversification.

“Digital technologies like AI, IoT, and smart grids are enhancing energy efficiency and driving the transformation of energy systems around the world. These technologies optimise energy consumption in real-time and improve the overall efficiency and resilience of energy systems.

“The proliferation of digital technologies, including data centres and cloud computing, is driving up energy demand. However, innovations in IT hardware and cooling, as well as a shift towards more efficient cloud and hyperscale data centres, are helping to limit this growth,” the report explained.

Backed by years of technological developments and focus on innovation, Qatar is not only addressing its energy demands but also improving the overall efficiency of end-use applications by harnessing emerging technologies, including smart grid systems, renewable energy sources, and innovative waste management solutions.

“Qatar has advanced cleantech initiatives in the following areas – energy and power generation, construction and urban development, transportation and mobility, and water and waste management – leveraging emerging technologies to improve demand and end-use efficiency,” stated the report.

Under the framework of the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES), the country “aims to increase renewable energy’s share in the power mix from its current 5% to 18% by 2030, with a primary focus on solar PV Technology.”

“Qatar’s LNG CCS project is the largest in the Middle East and sixth globally, and it aims to increase the capacity to capture more than 11Mtpa of CO2 by 2035. Qatar is building the largest blue ammonia plant in the world ($1bn investment, with 1.2m tonnes per year output),” the report further noted.

Construction and urban development come to the fore as Qatar is ramping up investments in smart city technologies, stated the report, citing the Lusail City project, “which integrates digital infrastructure to enhance urban living.”

The report pointed out: “Msheireb is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project leveraging smart technologies with a 32% energy reduction goal and all buildings targeting LEED Gold certification. Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy aims to use 35% of recycled materials in construction projects.”

On transportation and mobility, the report stated: “Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) aims to build advanced transport infrastructure – increasing utilisation, efficiency and sustainable options like e-mobility and public transport.

“The Ministry of Transport (MoT) Transportation Master Plan for Qatar-2050 aims to implement long-term initiatives contributing to sustainable transportation. Qatar is among the top 10 global markets in electric vehicle readiness.”

It added: “The Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC) is the first independent innovations centre in the region focusing on R&D to develop and deploy Intelligent Mobility and Smart Cities platforms and technologies.”

The Ministry of Municipality’s 2024-2030 strategy, which includes plans to adopt the latest smart waste management systems and convert waste into energy, caters to the country’s advancements in cleantech initiatives.

“Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy aims to achieve a 15% material recycling and +55% desalination of water from RO (Reverse Osmosis) or more sustainable technology.

“The first GCC country to implement a waste-to-energy programme, Qatar’s Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) has a state-of-the-art facility with a 1,500 tonnes per day Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration plant,” stated the report.

On environmental monitoring and efficiency, the report stated: “Qatar’s NDS3 aims to expand advanced monitoring technologies, for instance, effective monitoring and the enforcement of consistent water quality standards across sources.

“Qatar aims to install over 20 air quality monitoring stations equipped with internationally approved technology. The country also aims to regularly and effectively monitor all water sources, such as groundwater, seawater and potable water.”