Electricity in Kuwait in 2024
In 2024, Kuwait's electricity consumption is heavily dominated by fossil fuels, with more than 97% of its electricity being generated from such sources. Gas alone accounts for over half of the country's electricity generation, further highlighting its reliance on fossil energy. Low-carbon sources contribute a minimal portion of electricity, with clean energy making up just over 2%. Wind power represents nearly all of this clean energy share, while solar power is currently close to none. The predominance of fossil energy not only contributes to environmental challenges like climate change but also increases the pressure on Kuwait to diversify its energy mix by expanding its clean electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Kuwait?
Despite the world's growing focus on expanding electricity capacity, recent data indicates that electricity consumption in Kuwait has not been on a consistent upward trend. In 2024, the country's electricity consumption reached 18,183 kWh per person, which represents a notable decline of around 10% when compared to the record consumption level of 20,132 kWh per person in 2006. Similarly concerning is the slight decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, falling from a record 414 kWh per person in 2022 to 396 kWh per person in 2024. This stagnation and decline come at a time when increased electricity generation is crucial for fueling economic growth and meeting future demand, especially with the inevitable rise of technologies like electric vehicles and AI.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Kuwait can draw valuable lessons from regions successfully utilizing solar and nuclear energy. For instance, countries like the United Arab Emirates showcase the potential benefits of nuclear energy, with 20% of their electricity generated from this clean source. Meanwhile, regions such as Nevada and Lebanon demonstrate effective solar integration, with solar contributing 33% and 31% to their electricity mix, respectively. Additionally, by observing the success of wind energy in Iowa, which generates 60% of its electricity from wind, Kuwait can glean insights on scaling up wind infrastructure. Emulating these regions will help Kuwait reduce its carbon emissions and enhance its energy security, ultimately aligning with global trends in clean energy expansion.
History
Historically, the expansion of low-carbon electricity in Kuwait has moved at a sluggish pace. From the early 2010s to 2020, both wind and solar energy saw negligible gains, with increases close to zero each year. It wasn't until 2021 that solar energy marked a modest increase, while wind energy made a more significant leap in 2022, with an increase of 1.7 TWh. However, the following years saw no further additions, leaving considerable room for enhancement. If Kuwait is to pursue a brighter future with reduced environmental impact, it must commit to sustained investment in and deployment of solar and wind power, while remaining open to potential advancements in nuclear energy.
