Foundational research for Kuwait’s energy transition

Kuwait

Faisal Al Humaidan, director-general of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), talks to The Energy Year about KISR’s key role in establishing the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park and conducting applied research to improve water management and protect Kuwait’s ecosystems. KISR is a Kuwaiti government agency that conducts applied energy and environmental research.

What is your assessment of the balance between Kuwait’s oil and gas and renewables initiatives?
Kuwait’s energy industry is at a transformative moment. Oil and gas will remain the cornerstone of our economy for years to come, but national priorities are increasingly focused on diversification, decarbonisation and sustainability in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035. We are seeing advancements in EOR, digitalisation of oilfield operations and greater emphasis on environmental performance across the hydrocarbons value chain.
At the same time, the renewable energy sector is gaining momentum, with projects such as the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park laying the groundwork for the future. Kuwait is also exploring promising frontiers such as hydrogen and energy storage, and improving the nexus between water and energy management.
These trends present both challenges and opportunities. The key challenge is to ensure that we balance energy security and economic resilience with the urgent need for climate action and resource efficiency. The opportunity lies in technology, which we can harness to reach our goals.

How does KISR see its role in advancing Kuwait’s energy and sustainability goals under Kuwait Vision 2035?
We see ourselves as a catalyst in the transition. We can help shape a more resilient and diversified future for Kuwait. Our research spans advanced oil and gas technologies, renewable energy integration, grid resilience and energy storage, water-energy-environment synergies, environmental monitoring and carbon management.
In oil and gas, we work closely with sector stakeholders, particularly KOC, to ensure that scientific research is aligned with national production and sustainability goals. By advancing EOR technologies, supporting reservoir management, contributing to digital transformation and driving environmental innovation, KISR is playing its part in enabling Kuwait to achieve its target of producing 3.2 million bpd in 2025.
Furthermore, KISR contributes to Kuwait’s energy goals by fostering global and regional partnerships with research institutions, technology companies, multilateral organisations and universities. Our participation in the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong in 2024 and our hosting of a Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer in 2025 are two examples of KISR’s efforts to bring cutting-edge technologies to Kuwait and foster knowledge transfer.

Can you tell us about KISR’s role in the development of Shagaya Renewable Energy Park?
The Shagaya Renewable Energy Park is an important milestone in Kuwait’s energy transition. It is the country’s first large-scale renewable energy complex, integrating concentrated solar, PV solar and wind energy systems.
KISR provided scientific expertise and research support to design renewable energy solutions tailored to Kuwait’s challenging desert environment. KISR was also vital in organising the PPPs required to mobilise private-sector investment, expertise and technology for the park’s development.
Looking forward, we will build on Shagaya’s success by integrating technologies such as energy storage, smart grids and hybrid renewable systems. We aim to pave the way for projects that contribute to Kuwait’s energy diversification and resilience.

What research is KISR undertaking in desert system rehabilitation, hydrogen and water scarcity?
Desert ecosystem rehabilitation is a key focus area for us, in particular researching how to restore and preserve Kuwait’s fragile arid landscapes. We have projects on combating desertification, improving soil quality and enhancing biodiversity, all vital for maintaining ecological balance in the face of climate change.
Hydrogen technology and water scarcity are two emerging priorities. KISR conducts foundational research on green hydrogen production, storage and applications as a clean energy carrier, which we consider key to supporting Kuwait’s ambition to diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint. Regarding water scarcity, KISR develops technology for sustainable desalination, wastewater treatment and water reuse solutions that ensure efficient and environmentally friendly water management.
Furthermore, we are also working to devise green products and sustainable industrial processes. Our objective is to promote eco-friendly materials and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and other economic activities.

What are KISR’s key strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond?
As Kuwait and the Gulf region navigate a rapidly changing global energy landscape, our goal is to position KISR as a leading scientific and innovation hub in the Middle East. Ultimately, our vision is to be a holistic and future-focused institution that delivers solutions to address Kuwait’s most pressing challenges.
Digital transformation is an integral part of our plans. By integrating advanced data analytics, AI and smart grid technologies into our projects, we seek to boost the efficiency of both our research and the practical applications we deliver. This is a key step to positioning Kuwait at the forefront of regional leadership in science, innovation and sustainable development.

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