The first phase of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park in Kuwait’s northwestern governorate of Jahra was on Wednesday inaugurated with 70 MW production capacity and connected to the national electricity grid.
Shagaya solar energy plant is a joint project developed by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and the Ministry of Electricity and Water.
Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Dr. Khaled al-Fadhel stressed that his country has put so much effort in developing uses of renewable energy and ensuring it covers 15 percent of the total used energy by 2030.
He added that other projects will contribute to achieving Kuwait’s target in the energy production from renewable sources, including the second phase of the Dabdaba solar energy project with 1,500 MW capacity, noting that this project will provide 15 percent of the oil sector’s needs.
Director General of KISR Samira Omar, for her part, said in her opening speech that the complex is composed of a solar thermal power station, a wind power station and a photovoltaic station.
“It is designed as a world-class facility with a mix of renewable energy technologies to maximize the efficiency of electricity production per square meter in the Kuwaiti desert,” she added.
It is capable of securing power for 1,000 residential units throughout the year, and it is highly feasible for it enables Kuwait to save more than 285,000 barrels of oil per year, she explained.
Omar pointed to the involvement of the private sector in commercial activities related to the operation and maintenance of the station, creating more job opportunities.
She said it also minimizes CO2 emissions at a proportion of five million tons per year.
Undersecretary of the Electricity Ministry Mohammed Boushehri said the project is the largest in the Gulf, indicating a plan to establish a 1,500-MW solar energy station.
