Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy achieves substantial savings, addressing budget concerns and potential electricity crises
KUWAIT CITY – In a recent development, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy in Kuwait has successfully achieved financial savings amounting to KD 152 million, according to informed sources within the ministry. This revelation challenges the notion that financial constraints are the primary obstacle to the smooth progress of electricity and water production projects, especially at a time when the ministry is facing significant challenges that could lead to an impending electricity crisis during the upcoming summer months.
The ministry had previously allocated KD 30 million to purchase energy from the electrical connection network and secured approval from the Fatwa and Legislation Department to procure energy from external companies. The newfound financial savings of KD 152 million are expected to alleviate the strain on the ministry’s budget and contribute to overcoming the challenges it currently faces.
The financial savings achieved by the ministry amount to 13.8 percent of the total budget, which stood at KD 3.237 billion for the fiscal year 2022/2023. These savings, if utilized effectively, could play a crucial role in mitigating the disruptions faced by ongoing electricity and water production projects.
Production Projects on the Horizon
According to the same sources, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has ambitious plans for electricity production projects scheduled until 2029. If executed without delays, these projects could result in the production of approximately 13,780 megawatts.
One notable project within the Subiya station’s fourth phase is expected to generate 900 megawatts, with trial launches planned for 2025 and 2027, respectively. The Nuwaiseeb station project’s first phase is another significant initiative, set to produce 3,600 megawatts in the years 2028 and 2029. Additionally, the ministry has plans to enhance production at the Subiya station by adding 250 megawatts, with trial operations slated for 2026.
Several other projects include the production of 2,700 megawatts from the North Zour station (second and third phases), scheduled for experimental operation in 2027 and 2028. The Khairan Project’s first phase, a public-private partnership, is expected to yield 1,800 megawatts in 2028. The Shagaya project’s second and third phases are scheduled to produce 1,100 megawatts in 2026 and 200 megawatts in 2028, respectively. Furthermore, a photovoltaic panels project on water tanks is in the pipeline, aiming to generate 30 megawatts in 2026.
Flexible Working Hours Implemented
In a separate development, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has agreed to implement flexible working hours for ministry employees. This decision is likely to contribute to improved efficiency and productivity within the ministry, allowing employees to better balance their work and personal lives.
the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s financial savings of KD 152 million provide a welcome boost to ongoing projects and demonstrate the potential for overcoming challenges that could lead to an electricity crisis. With a clear roadmap for production projects until 2029 and the implementation of flexible working hours, the ministry is positioning itself to address the growing demand for electricity and water in Kuwait.
