KUWAIT: The year 2025 marked a dynamic period for Kuwait’s oil and energy sector, highlighted by major hydrocarbon discoveries, infrastructure projects and international partnerships. The year began with a major hydrocarbon discovery at the Al-Julaia offshore field in January, followed by a new oil find in the North Wafra field (Wara-Burgan) announced jointly with Saudi Arabia in May. KOC achieved commercial production at the Mutriba oil field in September and revealed the Jazza offshore gas field in October, which recorded the highest vertical well output in Kuwait’s history.
Kuwait strengthened international ties and expanded operations abroad. Kuwait Petroleum International acquired Italian companies Agriver and Arma to enhance low-carbon technology and launched major service stations in Luxembourg. Partnerships with China included a framework agreement on renewable energy in March and a 25 percent stake in Yantai petrochemical plants, the largest Kuwaiti investment in China’s petrochemical sector. Technical service agreements with Shell were also extended to improve operational efficiency.
The Jazza offshore field.
KUWAIT: Officials pose for a photo during the signing of an agreement to implement phases two and three of the Al-Zour North power plant.
Domestically, the sector focused on infrastructure and corporate consolidation. KNPC began fully merging KIPIC into its operations, and progress continued on the Al-Zour North power plant, with phases two and three signed in August alongside Aqua Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation. KPC reported a net profit of about $4.4 billion for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Environmental achievements included Kuwait joining the World Water Organization and the Umm Al-Aish LPG filling plant earning certifications from the Gulf Organization for Research & Development.
Kuwait hosted and participated in numerous high-level forums, reinforcing its role as a regional energy leader. Events included the 115th Ministerial Meeting of the Arab Energy Organization, the GCC Power 2025 conference, the 8th Youth Energy Forum, and meetings under OAPEC and OPEC+ on production and sustainability. Kuwaiti officials also participated in COP30 in Brazil. In July, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company’s vessel “Bahra” rescued 45 refugees in the Mediterranean, highlighting the sector’s humanitarian engagement. The year concluded with recognition of Kuwait Oil Company’s leadership. KOC received four strategic awards from International Business magazine for excellence in sustainability, safety, and operational standards, reflecting the sector’s commitment to innovation, global engagement and sustainable growth.
The year also included operational challenges. An explosion at the Aqaila C substation in April caused a 17 MW power loss, a KNPC fire in May resulted in one death and four injuries, and another fire in August affected the water network enhancement project. Despite these incidents, the sector continued to prioritize safety, training, and resilience, exemplified by KNPC receiving IFSAC certification to serve as an international firefighter training center. — KUNA
