Rystad Energy Forecasts 10.1 GW Solar Capacity For Kuwait By 2035

Rystad Energy projects Kuwait’s solar PV capacity will reach only 2.9 GW by 2030, rising to 10.1 GW by 2035, leading renewable energy generation in the country. However, the country will likely miss its 2030 target of 15% renewable energy share in the total electricity mix, reaching only 7%, or 3.3 GW, by 2030.

It may achieve a 15% share by 2035, which analysts consider a more realistic target, exceeding 11 GW, which will account for around 20% of the national power generation.  

Currently, Kuwait has a total installed power generation capacity of 21 GW, but only 17 GW is available during peak months owing to aging infrastructure. Scheduled power outages have begun, but unscheduled power cuts are not uncommon, necessitating the import of power.  

While concerns about renewable reliability exist, Kuwait plans major solar PV investments, leveraging over 3,300 hours of annual sunlight to generate 4.6-4.9 kWh per kWp daily and meet peak demand, explains Rystad Energy Analyst, Renewables & Power Research, Nishant Kumar.  

Nevertheless, Rystad Energy expects gas to play a crucial role in its energy future as its share is expected to increase by 17% to 77 TWh by 2030. This will increase gas production by 38%, while overall gas demand is forecast to rise by 30% over the next 5 years.  

Analysts explain the reason behind this focus on gas production, “Kuwait is focused on reducing domestic oil consumption by gradually replacing oil with gas in its power generation mix, which currently accounts for 40% of its energy needs. The main goal is to free up more crude for export, as oil sales remain the backbone of Kuwait's economy and provide the bulk of its government revenue.”

In June 2025, the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Project (KAPP) opened RFPs for 1.1 GW solar energy capacity (see Kuwait’s KAPP Seeks Proposals For 1.1 GW Solar Project).