Kuwait opens pre-qualification for two 500 MW solar projects

The Kuwait Authority for Public-Private Partnerships (Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects, KAPP) has issued a Request for Qualification for two solar projects with a combined capacity of 500 megawatts. The facilities will be built in the Al Jahra Governorate, approximately 100 kilometres west of Kuwait City. Companies and consortia have until 24 July to submit their applications.

The projects concern the Dabdaba Power Generation Project and the Shagaya Renewable Energy Project (Phase III – Project II). The scope includes the design, financing, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of the assets. Ownership will be transferred to the Kuwaiti government after a 30-year concession period.

Two projects within the Al-Shagaya energy park

The photovoltaic farms will be located within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, a dedicated complex hosting existing solar, wind, concentrated solar power (CSP) and battery storage technologies. Electricity generated will be fed into the national grid and sold to the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) under a long-term power purchase agreement.

The pre-qualification round precedes a more advanced tender phase in which shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit detailed proposals.

Additional capacity and the 2030 plan

This tender is part of Kuwait’s national strategy to raise the share of renewable energy in its energy mix to 15% by the end of 2030. According to reports from local media, the country is also considering the development of four additional solar plants with a combined capacity of 2 gigawatts to manage peak summer demand.

These new installations are intended to meet growing consumption needs while aligning with long-term power generation frameworks contracted with national authorities.