KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Adel Al-Zamel affirmed Monday that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made remarkable progress in enhancing integration within the electricity sector, highlighting the GCC electrical interconnection project as a leading example of regional collaboration. Dr Al-Zamel made the remarks on behalf of the conference’s patron, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, during the opening of the GCC Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition in Kuwait.
The event is organized by the Regional Committee for Electrical Power Systems of the GCC States (CIGRE). He noted that the GCC interconnection project has bolstered energy security, facilitated mutual assistance during emergencies and reduced operational costs. Efforts are now underway, he added, to expand cooperation to include renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart grid technologies and other emerging areas.
Dr Al-Zamel explained that the Ministry is implementing an ambitious plan to enhance energy efficiency and raise the share of renewable energy to 15 percent of Kuwait’s total power production by 2030 through pioneering projects aimed at cutting harmful emissions. He pointed out that the country targets approximately 4,500 megawatts of renewable energy generation by 2030, emphasizing that this approach will help lower pollution levels and attract greater investment in the sustainable energy sector amid declining renewable energy costs.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of (CIGRE) Gulf, Engineer Athari Al-Mohammad
Secretary General of the CIGRE organization, Philip Adam
He also underlined the Ministry’s efforts to develop smart grids and adopt modern technological solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Kuwait Vision 2035. Dr Al-Zamel stressed that the conference comes at a critical time as the energy sector undergoes major transformations regionally and globally, driven by efforts to ensure energy security, diversify resources, and accelerate the shift toward clean and sustainable energy. He said the gathering serves as a key platform for sharing expertise, showcasing innovative solutions, and exchanging best practices in power system planning, operation, and maintenance, as well as in renewable energy integration and the use of artificial intelligence in grid management.
He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the region’s electricity and water sectors, including population growth, rising energy and water demand, and the need to balance sustainable development with environmental protection while addressing technological challenges related to clean energy and digitalization. He expressed confidence that the conference’s discussions would yield constructive ideas and practical visions to advance sustainable development in the GCC and open new opportunities for investment and innovation in the energy field.
For her part, Chairperson of the CIGRE Gulf Board of Directors and President of the Conference Eng Athari Al-Mohammad said the event, hosted by Kuwait, brings together a distinguished group of experts, researchers, and decision-makers from across the Gulf at a time of significant transformation in the energy sector. She noted that the conference aims to foster dialogue on challenges facing electrical systems in the region while promoting innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Al-Mohammad explained that CIGRE Gulf, a branch of CIGRE International, seeks to support scientific research and encourage the exchange of technical expertise to enhance energy sustainability in the region.
Meanwhile, CIGRE Secretary General Philippe Adam said the organization plays a vital role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise in the energy systems sector worldwide. He described the conference as a unique opportunity for technical professionals — operators, developers, innovators, and manufacturers — to share their experiences and insights. Adam added that CIGRE International’s support extends beyond organizing events to coordinating collaborative research, unifying knowledge, and disseminating it through technical publications produced by over 300 working groups under 16 specialized study committees. — KUNA
