Energy modernization efforts gain momentum as Kuwait commits to overhaul power infrastructure
Az-Zour North, Shagaya and Subbiya projects completion in the next three years expected to position Kuwait as an energy-exporting nation.
The Kuwaiti government, amid the power shortage crisis that began last summer, has introduced initiatives to address the issue and minimize its impact on state sectors during the 2025 summer seasons.
In line with this, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, visited the National Control Center to emphasize government commitment to resolve the crisis by accelerating the approval of electricity tenders, reports Al-Rai.
This included the signing of key contracts for maintaining electricity generation units and expanding the Subbiya power station by 250 megawatts. Additionally, the government approved a 900-megawatt expansion for the Subbiya station’s fourth phase.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to modernize the power grid and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has been pushing forward with renewable energy projects.
A significant development was the signing of a framework agreement with China’s state-owned company for cooperation on the third and fourth phases of the Shagaya project and the Abdaliyah station, which will have a combined production capacity of around 3,500 megawatts.
The Ministry has also entered into a partnership with IPC Transco Limited and General Electric to conduct a feasibility study for an independent power supplier (IPV) project, which will be the first of its kind in Kuwait.
Furthermore, collaboration with the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) aims to enhance production capacity through the award of the Al-Zour North Power Plant project, phases two and three.
While the current energy projects (Az-Zour North, Shagaya, and Subbiya expansions) won’t yield immediate results, their completion in the next three years is expected to position Kuwait as an energy-exporting nation.
Key Project Milestones:
- April 16, 2025: Approval of the Subiya station’s fourth-phase tender.
- March 17, 2025: Signing of a renewable energy cooperation agreement with China.
- January 27, 2025: MOU with IPC Transco Limited and General Electric for an IPV plant.
- December 28, 2024: Signing of maintenance contracts worth 238 million dinars.
- November 12, 2024: Subbiya power plant expansion contract (250 MW).
- August 19, 2024: Meeting with Chinese delegation to discuss renewable energy.
- June 5, 2024: Contract for modernization of Al-Zour South Station.
- May 20, 2024: Gas turbine maintenance contract at Al-Zour South Station.
These efforts are seen as critical steps toward alleviating Kuwait’s energy challenges while laying the groundwork for future energy sustainability.
