What is Qatarʼs pathway to limit global warming to 1.5°C?
Qatar
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
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).
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).
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.
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).