How can Kuwait keep pace with rising demand for electricity?

Keeping pace with rising demand for electricity will be critical to Kuwait’s economic development, and reforms, such as opening up the power generation sector to independent power producers and independent water and power producers, are key to increasing the currently low share of private company involvement in the sector.

Should Kuwait reevaluate its power generation and desalination plans?

Environmental considerations, cost reductions in renewable energy technologies and higher than expected growth in electricity and water demand could persuade Kuwait to reevaluate its current expansion plans for the power generation and desalination sectors, particularly if MED and RO technologies prove to be more eficient and reliable.

Should Kuwait expand its generating capacity?

Kuwait is planning a significant expansion in its generating capacity, mainly combined-cycle plants, over the next couple of decades (Figure 3.2). Ramping up renewables capacity and retrofitting or purchasing flexible units, however, would be a more sustainable path forward.

Does Kuwait need a new energy strategy?

To ensure economic development and social prosperity in the years to come, Kuwait will require a new energy strategy, combined with a plan to foster economic diversification and reduce fossil fuel dependency.

How many power plants are there in Kuwait?

In 2018, Kuwait had an installed electric generation capacity of 18.8 gigawatts (GW), with nine power plants. Steam generation accounted for nearly half of total capacity, with combined-cycle steam and gas plants making up another 40%. Open-cycle gas-fired generation accounted for some 8% in 2018.

Will oil demand increase in the transport sector in Kuwait?

Source: Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, et al. (2017). Oil demand in the transport sector in Kuwait is projected to increase by 3% per year from 2015 to 2035. According to the International Energy Agency, the growth rate in global transport oil demand will be dramatically lower, 0.6% per year in the period to 2040.