Development of Renewable Energy in Kuwait

Abstract One objective of the proposed paper, given Kuwait's extremely high CO2-equivalent emissions per capita, high energy consumption per capita, and the international environmental agreements Kuwait has agreed to abide by, is to inspire action by decision makers to increase the share of renewable energy applications in the energy mix in Kuwait to ensure compliance with such agreements. In addition, the paper aims to raise public awareness regarding the energy sector, especially renewable energy, in Kuwait. To increase the deployment of renewable energy applications in Kuwait, the paper suggests multiple solutions for decision makers to consider. First, electricity can be generated through solar PV or concentrated solar power (CSP). Further, CSP can be used for enhanced oil recovery. In addition, water desalination, which Kuwait relies on heavily for drinkable water and consumes lots of energy, can be done using solar PV or CSP. Another utilization of solar energy is thermal collectors. Such collectors can be used for water heating for domestic use or industrial purposes. Also, they can be used for air conditioning through absorption cooling. Kuwait has taken serious steps to diversify the sources of its electricity. His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has called for 15% of Kuwait's electricity needs to be comprised of renewable energy by 2030. A number of projects were undertaken to achieve the vision of His Highness, the most prominent of which is the establishment of Al-Shagaya Renewable Energy Park (SREP). The park includes three types of renewable energy technologies: solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and wind power. SREP was divided into three phases with different power capacities and different combination of renewable energy technologies for the different phases. Despite the above plan, Kuwait still has a long way to go to reduce its carbon footprint. According to Kuwait Energy Outlook report issued in February 2019, Kuwait is expected to emit more than four times CO2-equivalent emissions per capita than the world's average in 2035. Decision makers in Kuwait are encouraged to take immediate action to avoid such occurrence by 2035. The report also highlights the main sectors causing such emissions. This paper addresses novel solutions to the emissions issue in Kuwait, particularly solutions relevant to solar energy applications. It also informs the public about Al-Dibdibah Solar Project, to be constructed in Kuwait, which will be one of the largest solar projects in the world.