Kuwait has announced temporary power cuts in some areas during peak hours due to the high demand caused by extreme summer heat. The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced that these cuts will last up to two hours daily, marking the first time the country has taken such measures.
The ministry attributed the power cuts to the power plants’ inability to meet the increased demand during peak hours. They noted that the current rise in temperatures is higher compared to previous years. On Thursday, the ministry released a schedule outlining the expected power cuts and urged residents to reduce their electricity usage to help lessen the load on power plants.
Kuwait, a major crude oil producer and member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has an extremely hot desert climate. Recent years have seen even hotter and longer summer peaks due to climate change, significantly increasing the reliance on air conditioners, which consume a lot of energy.
On Thursday, temperatures in Kuwait neared 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Kuwait Meteorological Department. Kuwaiti astronomer and scientist Adel Al-Saadoun noted that climate change causes the extreme temperatures, which he expects to exceed 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
In response to the high demand, Kuwait signed short-term contracts last month to buy 500 megawatts of electricity, including 300 MW from Oman and 200 MW from Qatar, to help during the summer. These contracts will be in effect from June 1 to August 31.
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Energy expert Kamel Harami emphasized the need for Kuwait to improve its energy infrastructure. He suggested that the country should diversify its energy sources, moving towards nuclear, solar, and wind energy. Harami warned that without accelerating the construction of new power stations, the electricity cuts could become a regular occurrence in the coming years.
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Umm Mohammed, a Kuwaiti woman in her sixties, experienced a two-hour power outage on Wednesday but said her house remained cool. She pointed out that some people use excessive air conditioning, even when they are not home, which puts additional strain on the power plants.