The new Wafra Power Plant has officially started initial operations. This launch is a major milestone for Kuwait’s energy sector. Consequently, the national grid will see a huge capacity increase. Officials hope the station will provide a major boost. Importantly, full integration is expected by early 2026.
Therefore, this facility is Kuwait’s largest electricity interconnection project. Moreover, it is the country’s second link to the GCC grid. The Al-Zour facility was the first connection point. Al-Zour has been operating since 2009. However, the new plant’s capacity is much larger. The Wafra Power Plant will add 3,000 megawatts. That is more than triple Al-Zour’s 900 MW capacity.
Moreover, Rashed Al-Buraiki explained the project’s significance. He leads Overhead Line Construction. He spoke to state television this month. The station began operating with 3,000 megawatts. Construction started back in 2022. The station covers a massive 62,000 square meters. It connects Kuwait to the regional grid. Four overhead transmission lines facilitate this link. These lines run 256 kilometers to Al-Fadhili in Saudi Arabia.
However, additional infrastructure will also link to Iraq. This creates a pathway for future European connections. Workers are now connecting the plant to Kuwait’s grid. Currently, sixty-one percent of this work is complete. Full integration should happen by late 2025. Therefore, commercial operations will start in early 2026.
In addition, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development supports the project. They call it a strategic investment. This project supports clean energy and regional integration. Kuwait is the primary economic beneficiary. The plant will add about 2,500 MW of capacity. This helps meet peak demand. It also stabilizes the national grid.
The Fund provided two loans for the project. These total 70 million Kuwaiti dinars. That is equivalent to $224 million. The investment should yield strong economic returns. It will also reduce carbon emissions. Efficient use of electricity surpluses enables this reduction.
Connecting to southern Iraq is also key. This move positions Iraq as a future hub. It strengthens supply security across the Gulf. The GCC Interconnection Authority owns and operates the plant. Their goal is to improve emergency capacity-sharing. They also want to support renewable energy integration.
A Kuwaiti delegation recently visited the facility. They inspected new monitoring and fault-prediction technologies. Al-Buraiki noted the plant’s dual role. It will serve as a hub for imports and exports. Kuwait currently relies on electricity imports. However, other projects are also underway. These include the Khairan and Al-Mutlaa plants. Al-Zour is also expanding.
Therefore, Kuwait may soon export electricity. The Wafra Power Plant is central to this ambition. It positions Kuwait for a new energy future. The country could become a regional power exporter. This would be a significant economic achievement.
