ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait marked a significant milestone in its energy sector with the inauguration of the Al-Zour refinery, the largest grass-root refinery globally, boasting an impressive capacity of 615,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Officially opened by HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, this state-of-the-art facility, fully operational as of 2024, is strategically positioned 90 kilometers south of Kuwait City, occupying a vast area of 16 square kilometers. The refinery is engineered with remarkable flexibility to process various types of crude oil, including the challenging Kuwait Heavy Crude (KHC), in line with the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) upstream strategy. A grass-root refinery, such as Al-Zour, is a refinery that is built from the ground up as opposed to an addition or modification of an existing one.
Al-Zour refinery is a cornerstone of Kuwait’s energy transition, primarily supplying clean fuel oil with a sulfur content of less than one percent to power stations. This strategic initiative not only aims to secure a stable and sustainable energy supply but also positions Kuwait as a leader in clean energy production. The project is technologically advanced, featuring an Electric Network for Monitoring & Control (ENMC) to optimize management and operational efficiency. Infrastructure developments include facilities for exporting solid materials and an artificial island dedicated to liquid product handling.
Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the refinery’s operations. KIPIC, overseeing the project, has integrated comprehensive health, safety, and environmental (HSE) measures into every aspect of the work environment. These initiatives are designed to protect both employees and the surrounding ecosystem. Key green features include the recycling and reuse of wastewater, sophisticated emissions control systems, and the implementation of smoke-free and low-noise flares. These efforts reflect a robust commitment to reducing the environmental footprint and fostering a culture of safety and awareness. Complementing the refinery’s launch, a pivotal agreement between KPC and QatarEnergy was signed on August 26, 2024. This deal will last for 15 years starting in 2025 when Delivery to Al-Zour Refinery’s LNG import terminal will begin. It will see the delivery of up to three million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to Kuwait.
The agreement underscores a deepening strategic partnership aimed at addressing the escalating global demand for cleaner energy. LNG imports are integral to KPC’s 2040 Strategy, emphasizing a shift towards cleaner energy sources to reduce emissions and enhance air quality.
As the Al-Zour refinery stands as a testament to Kuwait’s forward-thinking approach in the energy sector. The project not only ensures a reliable supply of clean fuels but also offers valuable technical experience to the private sector, fostering national growth and innovation. This landmark development strengthens Kuwait’s position on the global energy stage, showcasing its commitment to sustainable and efficient energy solutions for the future.
