Renewable energy projects program back on the table
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 2: According to a source from the banking sector, Kuwait has brought back to the table an ambitious program of renewable energy projects that it had suspended in the midst of the consequences that the Kuwait economy witnessed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The source explained to CNBC Arabia that the PublicPrivate Partnership Projects Authority is about to receive offers to provide technical advice for the program in a tender that is expected to be implemented on September 5.
In July last year, the Cabinet announced the cancellation of the project to establish the Al-Dabdaba solar plant for generating electricity from solar energy. At the time, the Cabinet attributed the decision to the consequences of the pandemic. However, the rise in oil prices may have given the government a chance to resume a package of projects in various sectors.
The project is aimed to establish a power plant using solar energy, the production of which would meet 15 percent of the oil sector’s needs within the Shaqaya Renewable Energy Complex, which is located in the west of Kuwait City.
The source indicated that the expectations for a steady rise in the demand for electrical energy in the country may have accelerated the process of bringing back the renewable energy program to the table.
Previously, the Cabinet had mandated the Ministry of Electricity and Water, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to take the measures it deems appropriate towards meeting the country’s future needs for sustainable energy.
Minister of Oil and Higher Education Dr Muhammad Al-Faris has asked Kuwait University to submit a list of universities, colleges and institutes whose graduates are approved for appointment in its colleges; in a move deemed as gearing towards the appointment of academic and academic support staff in the country’s public universities, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The daily obtained a copy of the letter that Al-Faris sent to acting Director of Kuwait University Dr Bader Al-Badawi, stating Public Universities Law No. 76 of 2019 stipulates that certificates submitted for the purpose of appointment of the abovementioned staff must be from any of the universities, colleges or institutes approved by the Council of Public Universities.