Kuwait's Announces Modernizing Renewable Energy Update

Kuwait has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future by announcing updates to its renewable energy goals and strategies for enhancing energy efficiency. The declaration, made on Wednesday, underscores Kuwait's dedication to playing a leading role in the global transition towards a zero-carbon future, aligning with its steadfast commitment to sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.

Dr. Mashan Al-Otaibi, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and leader of Kuwait’s delegation to the 14th International Forum of Renewable Energy Legislators, highlighted these developments at the event organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. The forum, titled "Infrastructure, Policies, and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition," provided a platform for discussing crucial advancements in renewable energy strategies.

Al-Otaibi outlined Kuwait’s efforts to increase renewable energy production, aiming to double it from 15 to 30 percent by 2030 and further to 50 percent by 2050. These targets are integral to the Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy's strategy, announced by Minister Salem Al-Hajraf in March, and are aligned with Kuwait’s overarching policy to bolster the sustainable energy economy.

Furthermore, Kuwait is actively implementing policies and incentives to address the escalating demand for energy, with a goal of reducing consumption by 10 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. As part of these initiatives, Kuwait announced the commencement of the second and third phases of the Shagaya renewable energy project. This ambitious endeavor aims to incorporate an additional 5,000 megawatts into the national energy grid, alongside 2,500 megawatts of energy systems.

Highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Al-Otaibi reiterated the nation's pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, as announced during Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh COP 27. The Kuwaiti delegation, comprising officials and researchers from the ministry and KISR, underscores the country’s dedication to driving sustainable energy transitions and contributing to global climate action efforts.