Kuwait Unveils 3-Year Power Sector Roadmap, Solar Projects Timeline Outlined

Kuwait’s Undersecretary for Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr Adel Mohammed Al-Zamel presented a three-year roadmap for the country’s power sector, including a timeline for commissioning new solar power stations.

Dr Al-Zamel outlined the ministry’s work plan, strategies and programmes with a strong focus on strengthening the electricity system and accelerating renewable energy development. The briefing was delivered during the 41st meeting of the ministerial committee overseeing major development projects, chaired by Prime Minister HH Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace, as per local reports.

While specific details of the roadmap were not disclosed, Kuwait is pushing ahead with large-scale solar and wind projects as part of its goal to source 30 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. In March, Kuwait and China signed an agreement under which Chinese entities will oversee the third and fourth phases of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex and the Al-Abdiliya solar power projects.

Kuwait also recorded its highest quarterly development spending in five years. Government expenditure on development projects reached approximately KD 132.4 million (around $434 million) by the end of the first quarter of the 2025–2026 plan, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the second-highest quarterly level recorded in 2020–2021.

A report by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development showed infrastructure projects accounted for the largest share of spending, reaching 11 percent by the end of the quarter. Key projects include the first phase of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The ministerial committee overseeing major development projects was established in early 2025 following the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding between Kuwait and China. Under these agreements, Chinese state-owned companies are responsible for the design and operation of major development projects, with Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port positioned as a flagship initiative.

In recent months, the committee has held regular meetings to review bilateral cooperation projects, address implementation challenges, set priorities and coordinate with relevant ministries and government agencies.

During the meeting, members reviewed progress on large-scale projects involving friendly countries, including renewable energy, regional electricity grid interconnection, low-carbon waste recycling systems and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. Discussions also covered housing development, wastewater treatment infrastructure, free and economic zones, and projects aimed at combating desertification.

The Prime Minister directed committee members to strengthen coordination with partner governments, stressing Kuwait’s commitment to expanding major development projects and deepening international economic cooperation. He said large development projects are key to boosting the national economy and generating quality employment, while ensuring citizens’ interests remain central to strategic development goals, in line with the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and committee rapporteur Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat said the meeting reviewed detailed progress reports from relevant authorities. Senior officials from public works, municipal and housing affairs, investment promotion, legal bodies, the energy sector and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the session.