Kuwait authorities say power cuts are ending soon

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Fresh power cuts plaguing the Gulf nation of Kuwait are about to end, says the country’s Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW).

On Sunday, Kuwait experienced rolling blackouts in several residential neighbourhoods. The power cuts came amid temperatures soaring to 43 degrees celsius, with forecasters warning that it could feel like 53 degrees celsius.

The state-run KUNA news agency attributed the blackouts to a gas supply disruption, which shut down key power stations and desalination plants, exacerbating the situation.

But in a statement on Monday, the ministry said that the country’s power stations and water desalination plants are gradually returning to full capacity. MEW has further urged the public to continue conserving electricity, especially during peak hours, to help stabilise the grid.

Experts have warned that the country is expected to face shortage of power supplies in the summer of 2024 and 2025, and it may extend to 2027. Kuwait’s total electric power generation capacity is estimated to be 20 gigawatts (GW), according to reports.

As the country works to restore normalcy amid its latest bouts of power cuts, Kuwait’s leadership is already looking ahead.

Dr. Mahmoud Bushehri, Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, met with a Chinese delegation to discuss renewable energy projects this week. 

One key focus was the Al-Shagaya renewable energy station, where phases 3 and 4 are set to be completed. 

Once operational, the station will add 3,200 megawatts to Kuwait’s energy grid, bolstering the country’s capacity to meet rising demand.