MEW charts solar path to boost grid; tackle power shortage by 2026

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy is currently evaluating a strategic initiative to build four solar power plants with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts. The project is part of Kuwait’s broader goal to enhance power generation capacity and increase the share of renewable energy to 15% by the year 2030.

MEW sources said the approval of the initiative will mark a vital turning point in addressing the persistent power shortage that has challenged the country since last year. The proposed plants are expected to be completed within a year—prior to the summer of 2026—providing a critical boost to the national grid and helping to avert energy crises during the next three summer seasons, according to Al-Rai daily.

“The proposal and awarding of solar energy contracts represent the most effective path forward for the ministry to sustainably address the power shortfall,” the sources stated. They emphasized that solar power plants offer a considerably faster implementation timeline compared to conventional fossil-fueled power stations, which typically require three to four years for completion—excluding tendering and awarding phases, which themselves can take up to a year.

The sources further noted that the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, is personally committed to reviewing all short-term solutions that could alleviate pressure on the grid. “Delivering these four solar power plants in record time will spare the ministry from resorting to scheduled power cuts in the summer of 2026,” they added.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also exploring the potential use of power generation vessels to provide temporary support to the national grid. A comprehensive study is underway to assess the technical and financial feasibility of this option before any decisions are made.