KUWAIT: Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Mutlaq Al-Otaibi said on Saturday that the ministry will make a decision regulating the renewable energy sector “within the next few days”. The decision is expected to allow “purchasing renewable energy from third parties,” said Otaibi in a statement Saturday. It will include “all sectors in Kuwait”, except for the government and industrial sectors, which the minister said will be considered at a later time.
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Having regulations in place will encourage citizens, namely small investors, to establish companies working on installing solar energy systems and related equipment, said Otaibi. The ministry, said Otaibi, is seeking to produce no less than 15 percent of the country's electrical consumption from renewable energy sources by 2030, based on the directives of the political leadership. Otaibi pointed out that the ministry has completed surveys and studies, examining experience of neighboring countries in purchasing renewable energy and reducing pollution from power stations that operate with fossil fuels.
Energy projects on Failaka, Boubyan While the ministry seeks to execute its renewable projects, specifically the Shagaya project, it is studying several proposals to implement more sustainable energy ventures. Otaibi pointed out that among the proposals currently under review is the establishment of renewable energy projects on the islands of Failaka and Boubyan, in line with the vision of the Council of Ministers to develop the islands to diversify sources of income.
The minister also hinted at plans to install photovoltaic energy systems on the facilities' roofs. Concerning the Shagaya project, Otaibi pointed out that the joint committee of the ministry and the Authority for Partnership Projects would issue recommendations regarding the venture, which is expected to have a production capacity of 4,400 megawatts, in four stages. Otaibi indicated that the project would contribute to providing more job opportunities. – KUNA