Kuwait to add 17,350 MW to grid in 5 years

The Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Mahmoud Bushehri, revealed plans to add 17,350 megawatts to Kuwait’s electricity grid over the next five years, with 30% coming from renewable energy.

The total investment is estimated at 5 billion Kuwaiti dinars, with over 90% of funding coming from the private sector.

Bushehri signed a contract with Alghanim International Company for the expansion of Subiya station, which will add 250 megawatts to the grid. The project is valued at approximately 118 million dinars and follows the necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.

Following the signing of the Subiya station expansion contract, Bushehri stated that the project is the first step in enhancing Kuwait’s electrical system. He also highlighted that the ministry is conducting the tendering process for the fourth phase of the Subiya expansion, which will add up to 900 megawatts.

Bushehri added that the tender for the construction of Al-Zour North Station; Phase 2 and 3, with a production capacity of 2,700 megawatts, is nearing completion. The Public-Private Partnership Authority is receiving bids from qualified companies in preparation for awarding the contract.

Moreover, Bushehri stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Partnership Authority, is finalizing the tender documents for the construction of the Al-Khiran station, which will have a production capacity of up to 1,800 megawatts.

Regarding renewable energy, Bushehri announced that 6 companies have been recently qualified to develop the Shaqaya Station project; Phases 2 and 3, which will have a production capacity of 1,700 megawatts. This was achieved through the efforts of the Ministry and the Partnership Authority teams.

In the same context, Bushehri revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, is working on finalizing a long-term partnership agreement with China to establish the Abdaliyah and Shaqaya; Phases 4 and 5, renewable energy stations, with a combined production capacity of up to 3,400 megawatts.

On the other hand, Bushehri stated that the Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, is working to fulfill legal requirements for establishing two power generation stations in Abdali and Nuwaiseeb.

These stations will have a combined production capacity of up to 6,600 megawatts, based on the independent producer system.

To conclude, Bushehri noted that with the commencement of operations at the new power generation stations, some older stations will be gradually phased out due to the end of their useful life, and also due to the high costs of their operation and maintenance, making them economically unfeasible.