Kuwait seeks renewable energy boost as 14 GW power expansion plan takes shape
Kuwait, historically lagging in the Gulf’s energy transition, is moving ahead with plans to expand renewable energy amid efforts to banish power crunches.
Kuwait’s renewable energy transition is gaining momentum: On Oct. 2, the government advanced a bidding round for a major solar project just days after unveiling plans to boost power generation capacity by roughly 70% by 2031, with clean energy expected to play an increasingly prominent role.
The announcements come as the Gulf state, one of the world’s top oil exporters, faces acute electricity strains, forcing greater reliance on liquefied natural gas imports to meet peak summer demand.
The question now is whether Kuwait — historically lagging in the Middle East’s energy transition, with less than 100 megawatts of solar and wind power installed — is finally turning a corner on its path to clean energy.
Details: The solar project tender, launched in May to develop a 500 MW phase of the Al-Dibdibah and Al-Shagaya renewables complex, has attracted bids from regional heavyweights alongside global players.
