Kuwait is developing a new renewable energy project. With the Shagaya project, which still remains in its preliminary phases, Kuwait hopes to eventually be able to build up to a 2000 mega-watt renewable energy plant, able to save up to 12.5 million barrels of oil a year, and more importantly prevent 5 million tons of carbon dioxide emission.

 

It is an important step for ensuring a sustainable future for Kuwait, and by the time the project is concluded in 2030, it should be able to serve 100,000 Kuwaiti homes. Time will tell whether it will serve as a pioneering force for the establishment of sustainable energy plans for the whole country.

 

Shagaya project started as an idea, to utilize a mix of renewable energy in one location in order to increase the efficiency of production of electricity per square meter in the Kuwaiti desert. For that reason a feasibility study was conducted and a master plan called Shagaya Multi-Technology Renewable Energy Park was developed.

 

The site will be optimized based on different technology to maximize the output during peak periods, so that it can serve the grid during these periods. Therefore, a mix of renewable energy sources will be used, including solar-thermal, solar-photovoltaic, and wind. In addition to that energy storage technologies will be implemented so that electricity can be produced during the night, when the sun sets during dark times and during calm winds.