Kuwait Launches Request for Proposals for Al-Khairan Phase 1 IWPP

Strategic Insights -

Kuwait has initiated the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Al-Khairan Phase 1 Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP), a project expected to generate 1,800 megawatts of power and 125 million imperial gallons per day of desalinated water. The Al-Khairan IWPP is the first stage of a larger multi-phase complex projected to supply up to 5,400 MW of power and around 125 MIGD of water upon completion. The project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, reinforcing Kuwait's strategy of leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance power and water security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Al-Khairan Phase 1 IWPP is a flagship initiative among seven to eight projects being tendered by the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP).
  • The project will have a power generation capacity of 1,800 MW and a desalination capacity of 125 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD).
  • The Al-Khairan IWPP is part of a larger multi-phase complex expected to supply up to 5,400 MW of power and around 125 MIGD of water upon completion.
  • The project will be executed on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance Kuwait's power and water security.
  • KAPP is also advancing renewable energy projects, including Shagaya and Dabdaba, alongside others under economic feasibility review.
  • The official RFP announcement comes shortly after the signing of a 25-year Power and Water Purchase Agreement (PWPA) between KAPP, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and a Saudi-Kuwaiti consortium led by ACWA Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) for the $4 billion Az-Zour North 2 and 3 IWPP.
  • KAPP's Acting Director General Asmaa Al-Mousa highlighted the authority's focus on leveraging public-private partnerships to strengthen Kuwait's power and water security.

Statistics:

  • Power generation capacity: 1,800 MW
  • Desalination capacity: 125 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD)
  • Total power supply capacity upon completion: up to 5,400 MW
  • Total desalination capacity upon completion: around 125 MIGD
  • Project duration: N/A
  • Number of projects being tendered by KAPP: 7-8
  • Budget for Az-Zour North 2 and 3 IWPP: $4 billion

Sources:

  • Official statement from the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP)
  • Interview with KAPP's Acting Director General Asmaa Al-Mousa in Al Arabiya Business