Kuwait to finalize agreement for Al-Zour North Power Plant on Sunday
Kuwait's Al-Zour North Power Plant to Boost National Energy and Water Supply
The Al-Zour North Power Plant, a strategic initiative to address Kuwait's growing electricity and water demand, is set to commence construction soon. The project, approved by the Audit Bureau and the Higher Committee for Partnership Projects, will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The signing ceremony for the contract with the ACWA Power consortium, which includes the Gulf Investment Corporation, is scheduled for Sunday. The total cost of the project exceeds 1 billion Kuwaiti dinars (approximately USD 3.3 billion).
The power plant, expected to be operational by mid-2028, will add about 2,700 megawatts of power capacity and produce 120 million imperial gallons of desalinated water daily. The construction will be divided into two phases: a turbine phase that is expected to last approximately 30 months, followed by a combined cycle phase that is expected to last 40 months.
The electricity production is scheduled to commence by the second quarter of 2028, with the first unit becoming operational by June 2028, and an additional 1,000 megawatts coming online two months later.
The project's significance lies in its potential to bolster Kuwait's capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity and water, driven by urban growth and ongoing development projects. Notably, the plant is designed to operate with emissions below international limits, demonstrating Kuwait's commitment to environmental preservation.
Key government figures, including Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and the Minister of Finance, will attend the signing ceremony. After the turbine phase, the combined cycle phase is expected to commence, further contributing to Kuwait's national electricity supply and water supply.
This project, a cornerstone in Kuwait's energy sector, is set to significantly contribute to bolstering the national electricity supply and ensuring a sustainable water supply, while leveraging private sector investment and cutting-edge technology.
All these advancements in the Al-Zour North Power Plant are not just about national energy and water supply; they also signify a pivotal step towards Kuwait's commitment in climate-change mitigation, as the plant is designed to operate with emissions below international limits. The project's success can also propel the development of environmental-science research in the field of low-emission energy production. As the financial burden is shared between the government and private sector through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, the project serves as a model for future investments in the clean energy industry.
