Kuwait’s Power Generation Fragility Exposed As Demand Soars

23 May 2025 Issue: 68 / 21 By: Yesar Al-Maleki

Kuwait has already broken last summer's monthly electricity import record ahead of the summer peak demand period as ongoing maintenance work means its power fleet is unable to meet demand. Delays in connecting the new Wafra (Z) substation will cap monthly imports at 900MW and there is a high risk of frequent blackouts this summer.

Kuwait is already facing blackouts this year as its power generation infrastructure is unable to cope with runaway electricity demand. Even with imports through the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) now being maxed out, the electricity ministry (MEWRE) this week announced widespread power cuts when peak load reached a May record of 16.58GW on 23 May.

With many of Kuwait’s aging power plants still undergoing maintenance ahead of the peak demand period from May to September, this put demand right up against available capacity. Demand has spiked this month to more than 3GW above last month’s 13.15GW – itself a record high for April – but heavy maintenance work means that actual generation from Kuwait’s power plants was below 2024 levels for February, March and April according to the latest figures from MEWRE. (CONTINUED - 705 WORDS)