Kuwait Times, Sunday, Jun 04, 2023 | Thul-Qidah 15, 1444
Electricity ministry to issue decision regulating renewable energy sector
Kuwait:
Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Mutlaq Al-Otaibi said on
Saturday that the ministry will make a decision regulating the renewable energy
sector “within the next few days”. The decision is expected to allow “purchasing
renewable energy from third parties,” said Otaibi in a statement Saturday. It
will include “all sectors in Kuwait”, except for the government and industrial
sectors, which the minister said will be considered at a later time.
Having regulations in place will encourage citizens, namely small investors, to
establish companies working on installing solar energy systems and related
equipment, said Otaibi. The ministry, said Otaibi, is seeking to produce no less
than 15 percent of the country’s electrical consumption from renewable energy
sources by 2030, based on the directives of the political leadership. Otaibi
pointed out that the ministry has completed surveys and studies, examining
experience of neighboring countries in purchasing renewable energy and reducing
pollution from power stations that operate with fossil fuels.
Energy projects on Failaka, Boubyan While the ministry seeks to execute its
renewable projects, specifically the Shagaya project, it is studying several
proposals to implement more sustainable energy ventures. Otaibi pointed out that
among the proposals currently under review is the establishment of renewable
energy projects on the islands of Failaka and Boubyan, in line with the vision
of the Council of Ministers to develop the islands to diversify sources of
income.
The minister also hinted at plans to install photovoltaic energy systems on the
facilities’ roofs. Concerning the Shagaya project, Otaibi pointed out that the
joint committee of the ministry and the Authority for Partnership Projects would
issue recommendations regarding the venture, which is expected to have a
production capacity of 4,400 megawatts, in four stages. Otaibi indicated that
the project would contribute to providing more job opportunities.