Kuwait Aims for Major Battery Storage Project to Mitigate Power Shortages
The Gulf nation seeks a large-scale battery storage solution with up to 1.5 gigawatts discharge capacity and 4-6 gigawatt-hours energy storage to address ongoing electricity shortages.
Kuwait is currently in negotiations for a significant battery storage project, aiming to secure up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of discharge capacity with total energy storage capacity ranging between 4 and 6 gigawatt-hours (GWh), according to a senior Electricity Ministry official who spoke on Monday.
The initiative reflects the country’s effort to tackle persistent electricity shortages exacerbated by rapid population growth, urban sprawl, escalating temperatures, and delays in plant maintenance.
The strain has led authorities to implement scheduled power outages across various regions since 2024.
This battery storage project is part of a broader strategy aimed at stabilizing Kuwait's electrical grid and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.
Upon successful implementation, it could represent one of the most extensive energy storage deployments in the region.
Adel Al-Zamil, the Electricity Ministry official, noted that discussions are still ongoing and that clarity regarding the project’s outcome is anticipated soon.
The initiative gained momentum following the dissolution of parliament in 2024 by Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for a four-year term, which cleared the path for several long-delayed projects.
Among these projects are the Al-Khairan power plant and the first stage of the Shagaya renewable energy initiative, collectively planned to have an approximate capacity of 2.9 GW.
The Public-Private Partnership Authority invited bids in September for the initial phase of the Al-Khairan facility, which is intended to contribute at least 1.8 GW.
Meanwhile, the pre-qualification stage has been completed for the first phase of Shagaya, with a planned capacity of 1,100 megawatts (MW).
Kuwait, an oil-rich nation and OPEC member, faces significant challenges in meeting its energy demands due to rapid demographic changes, expanding urban areas, increasing temperatures, and insufficient plant maintenance.
The implementation of large-scale battery storage systems is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating these power shortages.
The initiative reflects the country’s effort to tackle persistent electricity shortages exacerbated by rapid population growth, urban sprawl, escalating temperatures, and delays in plant maintenance.
The strain has led authorities to implement scheduled power outages across various regions since 2024.
This battery storage project is part of a broader strategy aimed at stabilizing Kuwait's electrical grid and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.
Upon successful implementation, it could represent one of the most extensive energy storage deployments in the region.
Adel Al-Zamil, the Electricity Ministry official, noted that discussions are still ongoing and that clarity regarding the project’s outcome is anticipated soon.
The initiative gained momentum following the dissolution of parliament in 2024 by Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for a four-year term, which cleared the path for several long-delayed projects.
Among these projects are the Al-Khairan power plant and the first stage of the Shagaya renewable energy initiative, collectively planned to have an approximate capacity of 2.9 GW.
The Public-Private Partnership Authority invited bids in September for the initial phase of the Al-Khairan facility, which is intended to contribute at least 1.8 GW.
Meanwhile, the pre-qualification stage has been completed for the first phase of Shagaya, with a planned capacity of 1,100 megawatts (MW).
Kuwait, an oil-rich nation and OPEC member, faces significant challenges in meeting its energy demands due to rapid demographic changes, expanding urban areas, increasing temperatures, and insufficient plant maintenance.
The implementation of large-scale battery storage systems is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating these power shortages.
