Kuwait steadily make advancement in the realm of renewable energy

Engineer Ahmed Al-Dosari, the Director of the Renewable Energy Department at the Ministry of Electricity and Water, affirmed that Kuwait is steadily advancing in the realm of renewable energy.

He highlighted the achievement of producing 15 percent of electricity from the Al-Shaqaya project ahead of the 2030 target for local consumption, reports Al-Rai daily.

Speaking at the Sixth Smart Cities Forum organized by the Korean Embassy, Al-Dosari explained that the Al-Shaqaya project’s first phase, overseen by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, generates 70 megawatts.

The project employs three distinct technologies — wind energy, solar energy, and electro-photovoltaic energy — and is progressing through various stages, with a planned production capacity of 4,500 megawatts.

Regarding the financing of the Al-Shaqaya project, Al-Dosari clarified that it would involve independent suppliers and investors responsible for station construction.

The Ministry of Electricity would subsequently procure energy from these investors. Emphasizing the substantial investment in renewable energy, he stated that each of the four planned stations would incur significant costs in the billions.

Al-Dosari disclosed the completion of the study on the decision to purchase renewable energy from various sources, including citizens and different consumer sectors. Plans are underway to train and qualify local engineers proficient in the field.

He highlighted active cooperation with Gulf countries, with a semi-annual meeting of the Special Committee for Renewable Energy. Kuwaiti engineers collaborated with their Gulf counterparts to establish a regulatory framework.

Addressing an agreement with China, Al-Dosari mentioned the ongoing implementation of directives from His Highness the Crown Prince following a recent visit to China. Projects are progressing, backed by strong encouragement from the political leadership.

Ambassador Chung Byung-ha of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait expressed optimism about the forum laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between Korea and Kuwait in energy transformation.

He urged both countries to transition from simple energy trade to comprehensive energy transformation.