Kuwait looks to large-scale batteries storage to ease the power crisis

Kuwait is currently negotiating an important battery storage project that will have a total energy storage capacity between 4 and 6 Gigawatt-hours. This will help ease the chronic power shortages in Kuwait, said a senior official at the electricity ministry on Monday.

The Gulf State, a major oil producing country and OPEC Member, is currently experiencing severe electricity shortages due to rapid population growth, urbanization, rising temperatures, and delays in maintenance.

Since last year, the strain on authorities has led them to implement planned power cuts in certain areas.

Adel Al-Zamil, a reporter who refused to name the parties involved in negotiations, said: "It's still in the phase of negotiation... but the picture is getting clearer. We may have a result soon."

Battery storage is part of an overall effort to stabilize Kuwait's grid, and reduce the reliance on fossil-fuels during periods of high demand. It would be one of the biggest energy storage deployments ever in the region if implemented.

Infrastructure development was stalled by years of political gridlock. However, since Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah disbanded parliament in 2024, for a period of four years, momentum has increased, allowing for the completion and implementation long-delayed infrastructure projects.

Al-Zamil stated that the Al-Khairan Power Plant and the first phase Shagaya Renewable Energy Project, which have a combined capacity of around 2,9 gigawatts are expected to be awarded during the second half 2026.

In September, the Public-Private Partnership Authority called for bids on the first phase Al-Khairan. This will provide at least 1.8 gigawatts. Pre-qualification for the first phase of Shagaya with a capacity of 1,100 Megawatts has been completed.

(source: Reuters)