Kuwait is advancing its 1.1 GW solar project, attracting six top bidders from around the world. Recently, the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced the prequalified companies. These bidders now compete to develop one of the largest renewable energy projects in the Middle East.
The 1.1 GW solar project will be located at Shagaya Renewable Energy Park. This site, west of Kuwait City, already hosts wind, solar, CSP, and battery storage projects. Therefore, it serves as a strategic hub for expanding renewable energy capacity.
Last year, an initial tender process narrowed the field to two companies and four consortia. Consequently, only these six bidders remain eligible for this phase.
Among them, France’s TotalEnergies Renewables and Vietnam’s Trung Nam Construction Investment Corporation stand alone. Meanwhile, four consortia bring together international and regional energy leaders.
For example, one consortium combines Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power with Kuwait’s Alternative Energy Projects Company. Another pairs France’s EDF Renewables, Kuwait’s Abdullah Al Hamad Al Sagar, and South Korea’s Korean Western Power.
Additionally, China’s Jinko Power, Japan’s JERA, and Kuwait’s National Technology Enterprises Company form the third consortium. Finally, the UAE’s Masdar joins forces with Kuwait’s Fouad Alghanim & Sons in the fourth group.
The winning bidder will manage all aspects of the 1.1 GW solar project. Specifically, they will handle financing, engineering, construction, and commissioning.
Moreover, they will build a 400 kV transmission substation, critical for power delivery. Importantly, the contract includes a 30-year power purchase agreement with the ministry, ensuring steady revenue.
Bidders must submit their proposals by September 14, 2025. This deadline marks a key milestone in Kuwait’s renewable energy growth.
Furthermore, last month, Kuwait launched another tender for two solar plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW. These plants will also be built in Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, reinforcing Kuwait’s clean energy strategy.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Kuwait had approximately 50 MW of photovoltaic and 50 MW of CSP capacity at the end of 2024. Therefore, these new projects will significantly boost the country’s renewable energy portfolio.
The 1.1 GW solar project represents a critical opportunity for investors and developers. Consequently, it supports Kuwait’s goals to diversify energy sources and expand its clean energy market.
