Energy demand in Qatar’s transport sector has risen in the past two decades19, accounting for 18% of total final energy demand in 2018.6 Transport emissions in Qatar have increased dramatically, from 2 MtCO₂ in 1990 to 12 MtCO₂ in 2019.13 In 1.5 °C compatible scenarios, transport emissions decline to around 7–8 MtCO₂ in 2030, and between 1–3 MtCO₂ in 2050 .
The adoption of electric vehicles (EV) alongside the deployment of renewable power generation is critical for decarbonising the transport sector. In 1.5 °C compatible scenarios, the share of electricity in transport energy demand in Qatar increases from 0% today to 2–16% in 2030, and 43–68% in 2050. The combined share of hydrogen and biofuels in the transport sector reach 24–57% and 11–29% by 2050 in these pathways, respectively.
Through a 2021 EV Strategy, Qatar has committed to installing 600 charging stations, having electric busses cover a quarter of public transport by 2022, and reaching 100% electrified public transport by 2030.12 Additionally, Qatar is promoting the installation of fast charging infrastructure to support the market growth of EVs.21 Through the Second National Development Strategy, Qatar aims for a 4% share of EVs in its vehicle fleet, rising to 10% by 2030.16
1 State of Qatar. Nationally Determined Contribution. 2021. NDC.pdf
2 US.Energy Information Administration. Country Analysis: Qatar. 2015.
3 World Bank. GDP (current 2010 US$) dataset. 2021.
4 Gütschow, J.; Günther, A.; Jeffery, L.; Gieseke, R. The PRIMAP-hist national historical emissions time series (1850-2018) (Version 2.2). Preprint at doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4479172 (2021).
5 Our World in Data. Where in the world do people emit the most CO2? 2019.
6 International Energy Agency. Energy data and statistics. 2021.
7 Sayeed, M. 2016. Qatar’s National Emission Inventory. Academia. 2016.
8 Krarti, M., Ali, F., Alaidroos, A. & Houchati, M. Macro-economic benefit analysis of large scale building energy efficiency programs in Qatar. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment 6, 597–609 (2017).
9 IRENA. Regional Trends. 2022.
10 International Renewable Energy Agency. Statistics Time Series. 2021.
11 QatarEnergy. Sustainability Report 2020. 2020. 2020 Sustainability Report.pdf
12 International Trade Administration. Qatar Electric Vehicles Challenges and Opportunities. 2021.
13 IEA. CO2 Emissions Statistics. 2019.
14 Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018-2022. 2018.
15 Hassabou, A. M. & Khan, M. A. Energy Efficient & Sustainable Buildings: Integration with solar assisted air-conditioning technology in Qatar-A Step towards Grid Free Zero Carbon Living. (2018) doi:10.18086/eurosun2018.06.15.
16 Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018~2022. 2018.
17 Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Qatar (Member). 2019.
18 Bloomberg. King of LNG Undercuts Rivals to Keep Dominating World Market. 2021.
19 BBC News. Qatar Crisis: What you need to know. 2017.
20 Al-Buenain, A. et al. The Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Qatar Can Contribute to Net Carbon Emission Reduction but Requires Strong Government Incentives. Vehicles 3, 618–635 (2021).
21 International Trade Administration. Qatar Electric Vehicles Challenges and Opportunities. Market Intelligence. 2021.
Qatarʼs energy mix in the transport sector
petajoule per year
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Oil and e-fuels
- Biofuel
- Biogas
- Biomass
- Hydrogen
- Electricity
- Heat
Qatarʼs transport sector direct CO₂ emissions (of energy demand)
MtCO₂/yr
- Historical emissions
- SSP1 High CDR reliance
- SSP1 Low CDR reliance
- Low energy demand
1.5°C compatible transport sector benchmarks
Direct CO₂ emissions and shares of electricity, biofuels and hydrogen in the transport final energy demand from illustrative 1.5°C pathways for Qatar
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 | Decarbonised transport sector by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct CO₂ emissions MtCO₂/yr | 12 | 7 to 8 | 4 to 5 | 1 to 3 | 2055 to 2067 |
Relative to reference year in % | −45 to −32% | −64 to −59% | −93 to −74% |
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Share of electricity Percent | 0 | 2 to 13 | 17 to 39 | 43 to 63 |
Share of biofuels Percent | 0 | 1 to 3 | 7 | 11 to 29 |
Share of hydrogen Percent | 0 | 0 to 16 | 4 to 47 | 24 to 57 |