Electricity in Kuwait in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from May 2023 to April 2024, Kuwait's electricity consumption has been wholly reliant on fossil fuels, with gas making up more than half of the consumption at approximately 58%. This means that the remaining portion is generated from other fossil fuels, such as oil, since no electricity currently comes from low-carbon resources. The lack of diversity in energy sources poses environmental challenges, as it contributes to air pollution and climate change. Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear, wind, and solar could help mitigate these environmental impacts and provide more sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Suggestions

Kuwait can look to the successes of other nations that have significantly integrated low-carbon energy, particularly those similar in geographic and economic characteristics, for guidance. Countries like the United Arab Emirates have incorporated nuclear energy into their energy mix, achieving a 20% contribution to their electricity from this clean source. Denmark has successfully utilized its wind resources to generate 59% of its electricity, showcasing the feasibility of transitioning to cleaner energy even for countries with ample fossil resources. By investing in nuclear plants and leveraging its abundant sunlight with substantial solar power installations, Kuwait can diversify its energy mix, decrease its reliance on fossil fuels, and embrace a sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, the development of low-carbon electricity in Kuwait has been slow, with no significant changes recorded over the past decade. From 2013 to 2018, both wind and solar energy contributions remained stagnantly at zero, indicating little to no investment in these technologies. A modest increase came in 2019 and 2020, where solar energy generation saw a minor upturn with an increment of 0.1 TWh each year. However, this progress was not sustained, as subsequent years saw no additional increases in either wind or solar power generation. This pattern highlights the urgent need for policy shifts and investments in clean energy infrastructure to propel Kuwait toward a sustainable electricity future and catch up with global green energy trends.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources