Latest news with #AdelAl-Zamil
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait energy future shines bright with new power-desalination giant
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) has affirmed the signing of a commitment document to implement the North Zour Phases II and III project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and a consortium comprising of ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation. In a press statement on Sunday, KAPP explained that under this agreement, the winning consortium will be responsible for designing, financing, building, operating, maintaining, and transferring the project – the construction of an integrated power generation and water desalination plant through the establishment of a public shareholding company. KAPP confirmed that the implementation of the project is under Law No. 39/2010 on establishing Kuwaiti joint-stock companies to build power and water desalination plants and its amendment, as well as Law No. 116/2014 on public-private partnership. The authority emphasized that the project is a milestone in the strategy of the State to cover the rising demand for electricity and water, support the stability of the national electricity grid, and ensure its readiness for future development projects. The project also reflects the commitment of the government to involve the private sector in infrastructure development and benefit from its expertise in design, implementation and operation. This will reduce costs, accelerate completion, optimize the utilization of natural resources, attract foreign investment, and finance major development projects. It is the second of the Zour Power and Desalination Complex projects, with a production capacity of about 2,700 megawatts using combined-cycle technology, along with a desalination capacity of 120 million imperial gallons per day. It is one of the largest projects undertaken by the authority to date, with a production capacity double that of the first phase of the North Zour North project. It is financially supported by a group of local and international banks, at a cost of more than one billion Kuwaiti dinars. It is a reflection of the high level of confidence enjoyed by the investment and partnership environment in the State of Kuwait. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy invited regional and international companies specialized in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of power and water desalination plants to explore investment opportunities and review the procedures of KAPP in order to participate in the Shagaya Renewable Energy Project-Phases One and Two, with a total production capacity of 1,600 megawatts; and the Khairan Plant Project (Phase One), which will produce 1,800 megawatts of electricity and 33 million imperial gallons of water per day. The project will be tendered by the authority in September. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Adel Al-Zamil confirmed that the North Zour Power Plant project (Phases II and III) is the largest in the history of its cooperation with Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP). In a press statement, Al-Zamil pointed out that the project is distinguished by its large size and the long period since a similar project was implemented; hence, it is considered a tremendous success for the energy sector. He revealed the plant will provide 2,700 megawatts of electricity; making it the largest plant in the history of Kuwait, in addition to the production of 120 million imperial gallons per day of fresh water using the energy-saving reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which will contribute to reducing production costs and positively impact the State budget and future tariffs. He expressed optimism about the new partnership with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, indicating this is the first of several other projects; such as the Khairan Phase One project and Shagaya Phases Three and Four solar and renewable energy projects, which are among the largest in the world. He revealed that 'in the next three years; we will witness the commencement of production from these projects, the expansion of the electricity grid, and the provision of better electricity and water services.' He said the first unit in the North Zour project will be operational in June 2028; followed by an additional 1,000 megawatts two months later. He added work is underway with ACWA Power to expedite the operation of the units and to overcome obstacles. He stated that the energy partnership projects include a roadmap to achieve zero carbon emission; affirming that the North Zour Phase Two and Three are among these projects, as well as the planned solar energy projects. Regarding the Shagaya project, he said it is currently undergoing technical study by the Chinese side and that the ministry is awaiting its review; hoping to complete it in the coming months, in preparation for its implementation in order to be operational in 2028. He confirmed that Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding with China on March 17; granting the Chinese side a renewable sixmonth grace period, with the hope of beginning implementation in the first quarter of 2026. Regarding the Khairan Station project-Phase One, he stated that it is currently being tendered; stressing that the group of proposed projects, if implemented according to the timetable, will contribute to improving the country's energy situation by 2028. He added the year 2029 will witness the operation of the solar energy projects and North Zour, with a plan to modernize older stations like South Shuaiba and East Doha.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Ministry of Electricity reviews possible adjustments to service fees
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: In a bid to ensure fair pricing for its services, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has initiated a thorough review of electricity and water supply services, including connection and reconnection procedures. Dr. Adel Al-Zamil, Undersecretary of the Ministry, has issued a directive to form a specialized committee tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy on these matters. The committee, chaired by Khaled Al-Rashed, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity Distribution Networks Sector, will reassess Ministerial Resolution No. 121 of 2017 and suggest any necessary amendments. Their mandate includes studying the steps and costs involved in supplying electricity and water to all consumer categories, establishing clear mechanisms for service extensions, identifying potential challenges, and proposing effective solutions. The committee will also review the financial accounting methods in line with existing ministerial and administrative regulations. Separately, Undersecretary Al-Zamil issued an internal memo to all Assistant Undersecretaries, requesting the Personnel Affairs Department's Audit Section to compile and submit detailed records of employees' academic qualifications and equivalencies above the general secondary level. This data, covering employees from January 1, 2000, to the present, must include names, civil numbers, nationalities, employers, and the countries that issued the qualifications. The information will be forwarded to the Civil Service Bureau's Committee for Examining Academic Certificates, which reviews qualifications for employees in both government and private sectors, including citizens and residents. The deadline for submitting the requested information on flash drives to the Audit and Follow-up Department is set for the end of the month. This request follows an April 29 directive from the Civil Service Bureau, calling on government agencies to provide copies of academic qualifications and equivalencies exceeding high school level for their staff.
Arab Times
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches power-saving drive as demand reaches peak
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: The electricity load index continued to rise Tuesday, reaching the orange zone at several points during peak hours, due to the high temperatures. The highest load recorded reached 11,545 megawatts at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius -- an increase of 355 megawatts; compared to the highest load on Monday which reached 11,190 megawatts. Reliable sources said the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy did not cut off power in any area despite the significant increase in power consumption during peak hours; as the new units with a total capacity of 600 megawatts entered the grid upon completion of maintenance works. Sources confirmed that this is in addition to the 600 megawatts, which will be imported from the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) this month. Sources added the ministry is keen on providing the necessary productivity and is counting on rationalizing consumption this summer. Consequently, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem issued a ministerial decision to form a committee that will focus on rationalizing electricity and water consumption. According to the decision, the committee will be chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity Dr. Adel Al-Zamil. Members of the committee will include specialists from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Information, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, and the Kuwait Industries Union. The committee's duties include: Developing a comprehensive system of awareness programs that highlight the importance of rationalizing electricity and water consumption, and its direct impact on preserving public funds and the environment. These programs will be presented in various media outlets and social media platforms. Communicating with civil society organizations and productive economic sectors to raise awareness about the need to conserve electricity and water, particularly during the summer and peak hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The committee will also conduct periodic field visits to customers who record the highest consumption of electricity and water. Raising community awareness on the need to adopt energy efficient systems and water conservation technologies in private, investment, and commercial residential buildings, factories, agricultural holdings, and public institutions. Organizing workshops and lectures in public benefit associations, universities, and schools to raise awareness about the importance of rationalizing electricity and water consumption. Collaborating with the private sector and scientific and research institutions in the country, such as Kuwait University, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, to implement joint projects, including the use of renewable energy technologies on building roofs and improving cooling (air conditioning) systems. In addition, the ministry announced that the committee will hold its first meeting in the coming days to set priorities. It affirmed the importance of coordinated efforts to achieve the set goals. The Ministry of Electricity and Water has strengthened its production capacity by adding three new units. The return of a production unit at the Al-Zour South Power Plant to service helped prevent scheduled power outages in three residential areas. As a result, the ministry only had to cut power to four industrial areas and three agricultural areas yesterday, while residential areas remained unaffected. According to informed sources, the ministry's successful restart of a production unit at Al-Zour South Power Plant ensured that power outages in three residential areas were avoided. This was in line with the ministry's earlier announcement that power cuts might be necessary in Hawally, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, and Sabah Al-Ahmad due to increased electrical loads. However, the ministry managed to limit outages to just seven industrial and agricultural areas. The sources said, 'The quick return of the Al-Zour South Power Plant to service played a major role in increasing production capacity. As a result, the ministry was able to avoid cutting power to the residential areas previously mentioned in its statement. The addition of three new units to the grid on Tuesday, following the completion of maintenance work, will enhance the ministry's production capacity compared to consumption rates. This move also supports the Gulf network, which receives 740 megawatts of power.' In a statement, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy said the scheduled power outages in certain areas were necessary due to ongoing maintenance of some power generation units, in preparation for full operation during the summer. It stated, 'The scheduled power outages in seven industrial and agricultural areas are necessary to maintain the stability of the country's electricity system. Power will be restored to these areas once the electricity grid stabilizes.' It is worth mentioning that the ministry resorted to cutting power to industrial areas - Shuwaikh Industrial, Al-Rai, Subhan, and Mina Abdullah - as well as agricultural areas - Wafra, Abdali, and Rawdatain - on Monday after the electrical load indicator reached the 11,000-megawatt mark. In another development, the ministry announced Monday that it has started receiving water connection requests for plots 2, 4 and 6 in South Abdullah Al-Mubarak City; which consists of 1,788 plots. The residents in these plots can submit a request for water connection through the website of the ministry and Sahel application. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies
