KPC, KISR sign solar power contract
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) have signed contracts for a model project to use photovoltaic systems (PV) to generate electricity for the latter’s building.
They also cover examining the quality of indoor and outdoor air and the impact on the surrounding environment of the Oil Sector Complex. The trend is part of the continuous cooperation between KISR and KPC, KISR Director Nagui Al-Mutairi said ahead of signing the two contracts. He added that the first contract involves a pilot project, expected to be completed in two years, to produce renewable energy worth 10 percent of electricity consumed by the KPC building annually.
The project constitutes a model step toward the use of the scientific applications of renewable energy, and will help enhance public awareness on the use of relevant technologies, Mutairi said. In addition, it will help develop a new local market for solar power.
According to Mutairi, KISR is carrying out a host of major projects for the variation of sources of renewable power, such as the Al-Shaqaya Complex, whose first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. Such ambitious initiatives and projects enjoy close support and follow-up of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he noted.
As for the second contract, that will also take two years to be completed, Mutairi said that it will focus on assessing the quality of air inside and outside the Oil Sector Complex, based on recommendations of previous studies.
Meanwhile, CEO of KPC Nizar Al-Adsani, said they are keen on making utmost benefit from scientific research to promote work at the corporation. On the first contract, Adsani said that the KPC, through cooperation with KISR, seeks to implement His Highness the Amir’s view, namely benefiting from renewable energy for generating electricity to reduce reliance on oil, the chief source of income, and lessen the environment effects of fossil fuels.
Budget of the project is KD 1 million ($3.28 million), and it will use photovoltaic systems (BV) to generate electricity through solar cells, he said. Referring to the second contract, Adsani said that the KPC is eager to reinforce concepts of security, safety, and environment, as a social culture and an ethical value, through adopting and financing relevant environment projects. Budget of this second project hits KD 150,000, and it is considered extension of previous studies KPC and KISR conducted over the period 2006-2008.