Kuwait solar project tender launched for 500 MW solar-plus-storage initiative
Kuwait has taken a significant step forward in its renewable energy strategy by issuing a tender for its first solar-plus-storage project. This ambitious initiative includes a 500 MW solar PV plant and an 800 MW/12 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
Kuwait solar project marks first solar-plus-storage development
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) has initiated an e-tender for the country’s inaugural solar-plus-storage project. This groundbreaking project will feature a 500 MW solar PV plant coupled with an 800 MW/12 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), marking a pivotal moment in Kuwait’s energy transition journey.
Situated within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, approximately 100 km west of Kuwait City, this project is set to be a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable energy infrastructure. Bids for the project are due by the end of January 2025, signaling the start of a new era in Kuwait’s energy sector.
The project will be developed under a public-private partnership model, with the selected bidder acquiring a 26% stake in the project company. The remaining ownership will be shared among KAPP, the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW), and the Kuwait Investment Authority.
Shagaya Renewable Energy Park powers Kuwait solar project vision
The Shagaya Renewable Energy Park is a pivotal element of Kuwait’s strategy to diversify its energy mix. Located to the west of Kuwait City, the park already houses several renewable energy projects, including a 10 MW wind farm, a 50 MW concentrated solar power plant, and a 50 MW solar PV plant.
With the addition of the 500 MW solar PV plant and the 800 MW/12 GWh BESS, the park’s capacity will be significantly enhanced, providing a robust and reliable source of clean energy for the region.
Kuwait solar project strengthens renewable energy portfolio
The integration of the solar PV plant and BESS is set to transform Kuwait’s energy landscape. The solar plant will generate clean electricity during daylight hours, while the BESS will store surplus energy to be released during peak demand periods or when solar generation is insufficient. This innovative combination will help stabilize the grid and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The 800 MW/12 GWh BESS is poised to become one of the largest battery storage systems in the region, offering up to 15 hours of backup power. This capability will be crucial for maintaining a stable electricity supply, especially during high-demand periods or when solar generation dips.
Moreover, the BESS will facilitate the integration of more renewable energy into Kuwait’s energy mix by storing excess energy generated during the day, ensuring that clean energy is accessible even when the sun isn’t shining.
Kuwait solar project milestone advances national energy goals
This project is a vital component of Kuwait’s broader energy transition strategy, which seeks to diversify the country’s energy mix and diminish its reliance on fossil fuels. Anticipated to be operational by 2028, the project is a key initiative in Kuwait’s pursuit of its renewable energy targets.
Kuwait’s energy strategy is aimed at generating 15% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The solar-plus-storage project at Shagaya represents a major stride toward achieving this goal. Furthermore, the project is expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy developments in the region.
Beyond its environmental advantages, the solar-plus-storage project is slated to deliver economic benefits, including job creation during the construction and operational phases and a reduction in the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Kuwait’s solar-plus-storage project signifies a crucial milestone in the nation’s energy transition journey. By investing in renewable energy and innovative storage solutions, Kuwait is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s shift toward a more sustainable energy future.
