Mew Plans Solar-PoweredGrid Enhancement; Aims to Address Power Deficit by 2026
Revamped Renewable Revolution: Kuwait's Solar Power Push
Prepared to revolutionize its energy landscape, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy is on the verge of a monumental shift. ambitious plans to construct a quartet of solar power plants with a combined capacity of a massive 2,000 megawatts are underway. This ambitious initiative forms part of Kuwait's broader vision to boost power generation capacity and increase renewable energy's share to 15% by 2030.
In the pursuit of overcoming Kuwait's persistent power shortage, which has besieged the country since last year, this solar power push could prove to be a critical turning point, according to insiders. The targeted plants are on track to be completed within a swift year, ahead of the summer of 2026, offering a much-needed respiratory boost to the national grid and safeguarding against energy crises throughout the next three summer seasons, as suggested by Al-Rai daily.
"This solar energy proposal and the granting of contracts for solar energy projects are undeniably the most effective means for the ministry to tackle the power deficit in a sustainable manner," sources revealed. They emphasized the speedy implementation benefits of solar power plants, which generally demand a considerably shorter timeline compared to traditional fossil-fueled power stations, which typically require three to four years to complete (steering clear of tendering and awarding phases, which can each take up to a year).
In a bid to ease the strain on the grid, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, is actively examining short-term remedies to ease the pressure. "With these four solar power plants being delivered ahead of schedule, the ministry would be spared from resorting to scheduled power cuts during the summer of 2026," they added.
During these exhilarating times, the ministry is also exploring the temporary deployment of power generation ships to offer relief to the national grid. A thorough assessment is currently underway to scrutinize the technical and financial viability of such an option before any decisions are made.
With the specter of climate change looming, the need for a smarter and greener energy future is more essential than ever. As Kuwait positions itself at the forefront of this transition, challenges lie ahead in tempering fossil fuel dependency while upholding renewable aspirations.
Let's delve into the potential impact of this ambitious endeavor:
Regionally, solar power currently contributes less than 1.5% of Kuwait's electricity generation[3]. The addition of 2,000 MW of solar energy would mark a significant leap, potentially initiating a tipping point towards a more sustainable energy mix. Fossil fuel, however, poses a formidable opponent, with neighboring countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia outpacing Kuwait in solar adoption despite similar incentives[2][3].
The ambitious completion target of summer 2026 is noteworthy, yet it remains ambitious given the typical timeline of regional projects (2-3 years from announcement to commissioning)[^1^]. To ensure success, it is crucial for Kuwait to avoid the delays that have plagued solar projects in Iran and Iraq[3].
Managing the project's costs will be paramount, with escalating payment structures and significant capital investments required. Gulf solar LCOE remains exceptionally low due to economies of scale and high irradiation, yet Kuwait's slower progress may result in relatively higher costs compared to its neighbors.
Ultimately, the outcome of Kuwait's solar power revolution will hinge on its ability to offset increasing gas power capacity or simply supplement rising energy demand. While the 2,000 MW plan signifies strong intent, only time will tell whether Kuwait can rise to the challenge and match the impressive solar footprint achievements of regional solar leaders.[1][3]
[^1^]: Drawing from Saudi Arabia's 1.5 GW Sudair Solar PV project, which reached financial closure in 2021 and commenced operations in 2023, a similar timeframe is plausible if Kuwait adopts this model.
[Source: 1) April 2025 report; 2) Regional and international solar market studies; 3) Solar project status and challenges in the Middle East]
- The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy's plans to implement four solar power plants with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts is part of Kuwait's broader vision to boost renewable energy's share to 15% by 2030, as outlined in their revamped renewable energy strategy.
- These solar power plants, if completed ahead of schedule, could offer a much-needed respiratory boost to the national grid and safeguard against energy crises throughout the next three summer seasons, as suggested by Al-Rai daily.
- The speedy implementation of solar power plants is one of the most effective means for the ministry to tackle the power deficit in a sustainable manner, according to insiders, who also noted that solar power plants generally demand a considerably shorter timeline compared to traditional fossil-fueled power stations.
- The implementation of these solar power plants in Kuwait, along with the broader adoption of renewable energy sources, could potentially mark a significant leap regionally, potentially initiating a tipping point towards a more sustainable energy mix in the Middle East.
