KUWAIT: Cabinet emphasized on Tuesday the need to involve the private sector in establishing and operating power plants under an “independent power producer model”, which would help reduce costs associated with electricity production. Ministers reiterated the importance of developing the electrical system and enhancing its production capacity after reviewing a presentation by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Bushehri about the current status of power plants, and transmission, and distribution networks, as well as future demand forecasts for electrical loads up to 2030. The presentation factored in the anticipated needs of new housing projects and the expected growth in commercial, investment, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

The Cabinet acknowledged the “the significant challenges associated with rising electricity demand” and stressed the need to find appropriate mechanisms to prevent any issues that could lead to power outages and programmed cuts during the summer season. Minister Bushehri also informed the Cabinet about future projects aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s electrical grid, including the expansion of the Subbiya Power Plant, the new North Al-Zour Power Plant, the Khairan Power Plant, and the Nuwaiseeb Power Plant, in addition to the Al-Abdaliya and Al-Shagaya renewable energy plants.

New ministers

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah welcomed the newly-appointed Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei and Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi. He wished both ministers, who were sworn in Tuesday, success in shouldering their respective ministerial responsibilities under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Prime Minister asked the Cabinet members to double their efforts and work as one team to accelerate the development process and realize the aspirations of the citizens.

Qatar visit

First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah briefed the ministers on the outcomes of his visit to Qatar on October 28-29 where he attended the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of Milipol Qatar, a global exhibition and conference for security and safety. The event, organized by the Qatari Ministry of Interior, gathered 240 exhibitors from 22 countries to showcase their latest products, solutions and services related to cybersecurity, AI safety, and applications of modern technology in smart cities and forensic medicine.

Sheikh Fahad met with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr Khaled bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah, and Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The meetings focused on ways to promote the security and defense cooperation between the two countries, he told the Cabinet members. — KUNA