Kuwait turns to solar energy

In early 2019 contracts could be signed for a 1-GW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Kuwait, marking a significant step forward on emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah’s pledge to generate 15% of the country’s energy needs from clean, renewable sources by 2030.

Kuwait enjoys sunny days almost the whole year long, but this source of energy is not exploited like in many other countries. Solar energy is used in Kuwait in a few places, including private houses. Kuwait Times interviewed Dr Abrar Al-Ali, Astronomy Specialist at Al-Ojairi Scientific Center and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (UK), for more information on the uses of solar energy in Kuwait, its benefits, the challenges facing its use and other issues.

Shagaya plant, built on 84 square kilometres in the desert location of Al-Shagaya, is approximately 100 km west of the capital Kuwait City and comprises multiple renewable technologies as well as interconnection and site infrastructure. According to reports, Kuwait plans to demolish its Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Ministry and transform it into a corporation.

While 15% is the target for renewable energy’s contribution to the power generation mix by 2030, no roadmap has been published giving clear indications of how many GW of generating capacity might be supplied by solar or wind. An official video promoting the state of Kuwait’s first independent water and power company, Al Zour North One, predicts that by 2030 the population of the country may have reached 6m, requiring installed capacity of 28.8 GW.

Renewable Energy Development Organisation (REDO), a New York-based non-profit, is trying to persuade Kuwait’s government to invest in solar for public buildings. “Our argument is that if, as a government, you can cut fuel bills by 15%, you are potentially saving millions of dinars, and the great thing about government buildings such as offices and schools is that their demand for electricity for air conditioning coincides with the hottest time of the day,” Fadel Jerman, consultant and head of oil and gas at REDO Kuwait, told OBG.

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