Why is Kuwait planning a solar & wind power project?

Kuwait is ramping up plans for its much delayed first utility-scale solar and wind powered project, as the Gulf state lags behind its neighbours in its renewable energy ambitions. Kuwait set a target in 2012 for renewable energy to comprise 15 percent of its total energy mix by 2030.

Does Kuwait have a solar power plant?

Phase three includes a 1,500MW photovoltaic plant, while phase four adds a 1,700 MW photovoltaic plant. Kuwait plans to use Al-Shagaya’s solar power to replace some of the oil-fired electricity it generates – the country currently operates eight oil and gas-fired power stations.

What percentage of Kuwait's Energy is renewable?

Kuwait set a target in 2012 for renewable energy to comprise 15 percent of its total energy mix by 2030. Government data shows that renewables accounted for only 0.1 percent of the country’s total primary energy consumption in 2021, with natural gas making up 65 percent, petroleum 34 percent and coal the remaining 0.9 percent.

Will Kuwait use Al-Shagaya's solar power to replace oil-fired electricity?

Kuwait plans to use Al-Shagaya’s solar power to replace some of the oil-fired electricity it generates – the country currently operates eight oil and gas-fired power stations. According to al Ajmi, electricity demand reached a peak load of almost 16GW with an installed capacity of over 20GW in 2021 and is rising at around 4-5 percent each year.

How will EWEC's new solar project help Abu Dhabi?

The new solar project will help to support Ewec’s plan to increase its total solar power generation capacity to 7.3GW by 2030. Abu Dhabi aims to meet 60 percent of its total power demand from renewable and clean energy sources by 2035.