Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW) has announced plans to expand the Sabiya Combined Cycle Power Plant by adding 900 megawatts (MW) of gas turbine capacity.
The Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) has approved the ministry’s request to issue tenders for the project, which aims to address the country’s increasing electricity demand.
The expansion project, estimated to cost around 257 million Kuwaiti dinars ($848 million), will involve the supply, installation, and operation of gas turbines at the Sabiya station in South Kuwait.
The project is expected to be completed within 36 months, according to a statement from the ministry.
In early 2025, the ministry plans to invite bids for the Sabiya project and another power plant at Nuwaiseeb in Al-Ahmadi Governorate. The Nuwaiseeb project, with a capacity of 3,600 MW, is estimated to cost nearly KWD950 million ($3.135 billion).
The Sabiya expansion is part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to boost its power generation capacity in response to a steady rise in domestic demand.
The country has been experiencing increasing electricity consumption due to population growth and economic development.
The Sabiya Combined Cycle Power Plant currently has a capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW). The planned addition of 900 MW will significantly boost the plant’s output, contributing to the stability and reliability of Kuwait’s power supply.
The ministry’s decision to expand the Sabiya plant aligns with Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and ensure a sustainable supply of electricity for its citizens and industries.
The Kuwaiti government has commitment to investing in critical infrastructure to support the country’s long-term economic growth.
The upcoming tenders for the Sabiya and Nuwaiseeb projects are expected to attract interest from international and local contractors specializing in power plant construction and gas turbine technology.
In 2023, Mitsubishi Power secured a long-term contract with MEW to modernize the Sabiya Power and Water Distillation Station. The project includes upgrading eight steam turbine and generator units, along with advanced digital control systems.
The move aims to boost efficiency, extend the plant’s lifespan by up to 20 years, and support Kuwait’s Vision 2035 for energy sustainability and reliable utility services.
