Solar energy initiative byMesh Exchange (MEW) aims to optimize grid performance and eliminate power deficit by 2026
Solar Power Boost for Kuwait: Four Plants to Combat Persistent Power Shortage
The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW) is eyeing a strategic venture, aiming to build four solar power plants with a whopping capacity of 2,000 megawatts. These solar photovoltaic (PV) power giants are part of Kuwait's ambitious goal to amplify power generation capacity and increase the share of renewable energy to a remarkable 15% by 2030.
MEW insiders emphasize that the green light on this initiative could mark a pivotal moment in tackling the long-standing power shortage that has plagued the country since last year. The proposed installations are slated for completion within a swift year, ahead of the summer of 2026, offering a much-needed power surge to the national grid and averting energy crises throughout the next three summer seasons, according to Al-Rai daily.
"The proposed solar power plants represent the most efficient course of action for the Ministry to sustainably address the power shortage," the sources disclosed. They were quick to highlight the substantial difference in time-to-market between solar power plants and conventional fossil-fueled power stations, which usually necessitate three to four years before completion, disregarding tendering and awarding phases that can stretch up to a year.
Furthermore, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, is putting undivided attention on assessing short-term solutions that could provide grid relief. "By delivering these four solar power plants in record time, the Ministry can avoid imposing scheduled power cuts during the summer of 2026," they stated.
Amid this push, the Minister is also examining the temporary use of power generation vessels to bolster grid support. A comprehensive study is underway to examine both the technical and financial feasibility of this option before any firm decisions can be made.
This endeavor complements other initiatives like the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park (a separate 2,000 MW project developed in tandem with international partners, including Chinese firms) that is gradually advancing through phased expansions[5]. However, MEW's four-plant strategy serves as a swift, targeted approach to rectify immediate electricity deficits.
- The four solar power plants, with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts, are a significant part of Kuwait's broader renewable-energy strategy aimed at increasing the renewable energy share to 15% by 2030.
- The implementation of these solar photovoltaic (PV) power giants is expected to mark a pivotal moment in combating the persistent power shortage that has affected Kuwait since last year.
- By completing the proposed solar power plants within a year, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy can avoid imposing power cuts during the summer of 2026, thus averting potential energy crises.
- The 2026 solar power plant project falls under the umbrella of other environmental-science initiatives like the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park for a more sustainable electricity solution.
- The Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy is additionally considering temporary finance-oriented solutions, such as power generation vessels, to further support the renewable-energy industry and the national grid.
