Kuwait imports 1,760 MW from GCC grid as heatwave pushes temperatures near 50°C
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy successfully navigated the first major test of the current heatwave as temperatures in Kuwait approached 50°C, relying on a combination of electricity rationalization measures and enhanced support from the Gulf power network.
According to informed sources, Kuwait imported approximately 1,760 megawatts of electricity through the GCC Interconnection Authority, following the recent expansion of the regional grid connection project, which became operational only weeks ago.
The sources explained that before the expansion, Kuwait’s maximum import capacity from the GCC grid was limited to around 1,200 megawatts.
However, the upgraded interconnection now allows the country to draw significantly higher volumes of electricity, depending on national demand and available surplus capacity across member states.
Officials noted that the additional imported power played a crucial role in stabilizing the national grid during peak consumption hours, particularly as air-conditioning demand surged amid extreme summer temperatures.
The coordinated regional support helped reduce pressure on local generation units and ensured continuity of supply.
The ministry also credited its recent demand-management measures for helping contain the rise in electrical loads. These included temporary reductions in consumption from selected industrial facilities during peak hours, alongside public awareness campaigns encouraging households and businesses to conserve electricity and avoid unnecessary usage.
Sources added that the ministry is continuing scheduled maintenance and upgrading works on remaining power generation units to ensure higher operational readiness ahead of expected further temperature increases in the coming weeks.
The sources emphasized that current load patterns indicate the effectiveness of Kuwait’s combined strategy of rationalization, maintenance, and regional energy cooperation.
