EU-Kuwait Energy Roundtable Highlights European Expertise in Supporting Kuwait’s Energy Transition

The European Union (EU) and Kuwait have underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in the energy sector, with officials and experts highlighting the contribution of European expertise to Kuwait’s energy development and clean energy ambitions during a high-level roundtable seminar held in Kuwait.

The event, organised by the EU Delegation to Kuwait as part of the celebrations marking 40 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Kuwait, brought together representatives from Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), as well as European energy experts and diplomats.

The discussions focused on the ongoing transformation of Kuwait’s energy sector as the country advances its Vision 2035 development strategy and works towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Participants examined opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, technology deployment, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, investment, and capacity building.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen said that European experts have worked alongside Kuwaiti counterparts for decades across oil and gas operations, renewable energy projects, engineering consultancies, technical standardisation bodies, and policy advisory roles.

Koistinen noted that the roundtable built on the outcomes of the EU-Kuwait Green Transition Forum held in February under the auspices of Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem. The forum brought together government officials, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on clean energy, climate resilience and skills development.

She also said that the EU looks forward to launching negotiations on an EU-Kuwait Strategic Partnership Agreement, which would provide a formal framework for existing cooperation and place particular emphasis on collaboration in the energy sector.

Dina AlNakib, Senior Director of Research and Technology Deployment at KFAS and moderator of the roundtable, said that the event successfully brought together leading European and Kuwaiti energy stakeholders to showcase the contributions of EU professionals in Kuwait’s energy sector and explore avenues for deeper cooperation.

According to AlNakib, participants highlighted the importance of operational excellence, infrastructure readiness, technology deployment, supportive regulatory and investment frameworks, institutional knowledge transfer, and stronger partnerships among government agencies, industry, research organisations and diplomatic stakeholders.

The seminar also highlighted the EU’s own energy transition experience. Speakers noted that renewable energy now generates more electricity across the EU than fossil fuels, reflecting the bloc’s significant restructuring of its energy system over the past decade. Participants said that this experience could provide valuable insights for Kuwait as it seeks to expand clean energy deployment and diversify its energy mix.

The EU Delegation said that it will continue working with Kuwait to advance green transition initiatives and support the development of a more sustainable and resilient energy system through innovation, expertise sharing and long-term strategic cooperation.