The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is advancing its renewable energy efforts by initiating the development of a 1 GW solar project. This project, designed to support Kuwait’s energy diversification strategy, will be located in the western part of the country and will be executed in three phases.
Kuwait solar project details and development phases
The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has announced plans for a 1 GW solar project aimed at diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing dependence on oil and natural gas. This new initiative, which was revealed by KOC CEO Khaled Al-Otaibi, underscores the state-owned company’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
The solar project will be located in the western part of Kuwait and will be developed in three phases. Al-Otaibi highlighted that the facility will be scaled up to reach its full capacity over time. He did not provide specific details on whether the project will take the form of a power purchase agreement (PPA) or if it will be developed as a public-private partnership (PPP). Kuwait has been gradually increasing its focus on renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on solar power. The country’s first solar project — the 10 MW Sidrah 500 plant — was connected to the grid in late 2016. The Sidrah project was also developed by the Kuwait Oil Company, highlighting the company’s early involvement in the nation’s renewable energy journey.
Kuwait solar project milestones in renewable energy
In 2018, Kuwait marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of its first utility-scale solar project, the 50 MW Shagaya solar plant. This project was part of the broader Shagaya Renewable Energy Park — a 2 GW complex located near Al Jahra City. The park is being developed by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and has significantly contributed to the country’s renewable energy capacity. Despite these developments, the pace of renewable energy adoption in Kuwait has been relatively slow compared to other countries in the region. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Kuwait’s cumulative solar capacity stood at 70 MW by the end of 2023. This figure highlights the need for more ambitious projects like the one announced by the Kuwait Oil Company to meet the country’s renewable energy targets.
National goals supported by the Kuwait solar project
Kuwait has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to derive 15% of its power generation from renewable sources by 2030. The country’s total installed power generation capacity is currently around 22 GW, with the vast majority coming from fossil fuels. The recently announced 1 GW solar project by Kuwait Oil Company is expected to play a crucial role in helping the country move closer to its renewable energy targets. However, achieving these goals will require continued investment and development in renewable energy infrastructure, as well as supportive policies from the government. The Kuwait Oil Company’s announcement of a 1 GW solar project marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. While Kuwait has made progress in developing its renewable energy sector, the pace of adoption has been slower compared to other countries in the region. With ambitious targets in place, projects like this one will be essential for Kuwait to achieve its renewable energy goals and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
For more insights, explore the Kuwait Solar News Archives, which provide updates on Kuwait’s renewable energy initiatives.
