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.

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.

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.

How old is Kuwait's building stock?

Enforcement improved after introduction of the 2010 codes and regulation, but Kuwait’s building stock is quite old in general, and it will take years, if not decades, of stock turnover until Kuwait sees a dramatic reduction in energy consumption in its buildings sector.

What is the future of Kuwait's Electricity sector?

The Ministry of Electricity and Water estimates that reserve margins could drop to 8% by 2020. Kuwait plans to increase base-load electricity generating capacity to 32 GW by 2035 (see Chapter 2). Until very recently, the Ministry of Electricity and Water was solely responsible for the development of the electricity sector.