Solar energy in Kuwait: Benefits and challenges

Solar energy in Kuwait: Benefits and challenges

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Kuwait enjoys sunny days almost the whole year long, but this source of energy is not exploited like in many other countries. Solar energy is used in Kuwait in a few places, including private houses. Kuwait Times interviewed Dr Abrar Al-Ali, Astronomy Specialist at Al-Ojairi Scientific Center and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (UK), for more information on the uses of solar energy in Kuwait, its benefits, the challenges facing its use and other issues.

Kuwait Times: In which sectors is solar energy used in Kuwait?

Dr Abrar Al-Ali: The Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy is continuously looking at ways to promote the use of clean energy. For instance, the Shaqaya project, in collaboration with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), comprises of solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and wind power systems. It produces 70 megawatts in its first phase – enough to supply a residential area such as Nuzha, as well as encouraging consumers to change their patterns of energy dependence by installing solar cells, using photovoltaic glass on the facades of commercial complexes to generate clean energy, and collaborating with government agencies to build environmentally-friendly schools.

In addition, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement