(File photo) The moon rises behind overhead power lines as the Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity requested residents to ration their electricity usage at peak times. - Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem announced on Saturday that Kuwait achieved an unprecedented milestone in electricity demand management this summer. The country’s peak electricity load reached 17,610 megawatts, marking a 30-megawatt decline compared to the record peak of summer 2024, despite planning studies predicting a 4 percent annual rise.

Al-Mukhaizeem said the decrease is a clear indicator of the success of the national “Save” campaign, especially given extreme temperatures that hit 51 degrees Celsius, alongside continued population and economic growth. He stressed that the achievement reflects strategic planning, effective demand management, strict action against excessive consumption such as mining, and the efficiency of preventive and emergency maintenance of the power grid’s generation, transmission and distribution systems.

The minister underlined that these results were achieved through the application of the highest technical standards and the latest monitoring technologies, ensuring network sustainability and readiness under extreme operating conditions. He praised the role of state institutions, political leadership, and citizens and residents in supporting energy-saving campaigns, particularly the “Wafer” national initiative to promote rationalization.
Looking ahead, Al-Mukhaizeem said the ministry is focused on building long-term capacity, with projects under implementation that will add up to 14,050 megawatts of electricity and 228 million imperial gallons of water per day by 2031. He noted that contracts were signed last month for the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North Power Plant, adding 2,700 megawatts in partnership with the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP), ACWA Power, and the Gulf Investment Corporation.

On renewable energy, the minister highlighted the Shagaya Renewable Energy Project, describing it as a key national initiative. The first phase, with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts, was tendered in June, while KAPP recently approved the qualification of companies for the second phase, with 500 megawatts. Work is also underway on the third and fourth phases, adding 3,000 megawatts in cooperation with China. Al-Mukhaizeem also pointed to major upcoming projects, including the Nuwaiseeb Power Plant, expected to deliver 7,200 megawatts. He expressed pride in the dedication of national cadres, who “work tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of service delivery and to swiftly address any challenges in the power system.” — KUNA