- Kuwait invites bids for two solar projects in Al Jahra with a combined capacity 500MW; the application deadline is July 24.
- Projects include the Dabdaba and Shagaya Phase III initiatives, to be developed under a 30-year public-private partnership model.
- Kuwait targets 15% renewables in its energy mix by 2030, and it plans four additional solar plants totalling 2GW.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) has invited developers to bid for two major solar power plants in Al Jahra. These projects will add a combined capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) to Kuwait’s electricity grid.
Kuwait plans to boost its renewable energy output to generate 15% of its electricity from clean sources by 2030. The latest tender plays a key role in achieving that target.
KAPP issued the Request for Qualification (RfQ) for the Dabdaba Power Generation Project and Phase III—Project II of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Project. The solar plants will be located within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, around 100 kilometres west of Kuwait City.
The Shagaya complex already includes wind, solar, concentrated solar power (CSP), and battery storage technologies. The new photovoltaic plants will expand this renewable mix and strengthen Kuwait’s clean energy portfolio.
Developers will design, finance, construct, own, operate, and maintain the solar farms. Before transferring ownership to the Kuwaiti government, they will manage the assets under a 30-year concession.
KAPP has asked interested companies and consortia to submit their qualifications by July 24. The agency will screen submissions and invite selected bidders to join the final tender stage.
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) will purchase all electricity from the solar farms through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The national grid will absorb the generated electricity.
Kuwait wants to manage rising electricity demand, especially during summer when consumption peaks. Authorities expect the solar projects to help meet this seasonal pressure.
Local media have reported that Kuwait may build four more solar plants, adding up to 2 gigawatts (GW) capacity. This expansion will support long-term plans to reduce fossil fuel reliance and improve grid stability.
Kuwait’s energy transition reflects broader regional efforts to diversify power sources. Gulf countries, including Kuwait, have started investing more in solar and wind projects.
KAPP aims to draw private sector participation and foreign investment by launching this tender. The public-private partnership (PPP) model allows the country to share project risks and leverage international expertise.
The new solar projects will also support job creation and industrial growth. Analysts believe this initiative signals stronger political will and commitment to Kuwait’s clean energy future.
Kuwait has launched earlier phases of the Shagaya project, but has moved slowly in scaling them. Authorities aim to speed up project delivery and meet renewable targets without further delays.
Developers must submit their applications before the July 24 deadline. KAPP will provide shortlisted firms with full project documents in the next phase of the process.
The solar push comes as Kuwait faces pressure to modernise its power system and align with global climate goals. The country is taking a concrete step toward a lower-carbon future with these projects.