Technology blends for energy efficiency

Kuwait

Jorge Pérez, country manager for TSK in Kuwait, talks to The Energy Year about how PPPs are providing traction for renewables projects and promoting the introduction of technologies that can help balance the country’s energy mix. TSK is an integral solution provider in the field of industrial and energy infrastructure, with extensive experience in various locations around the world.

To what extent are PPPs impacting the development of renewables projects in the country?
Kuwait is now on the green energy radar, and one of the main drivers is that the government is setting up a solid framework for investments and PPP programmes, which was sorely needed. The 2014 PPP law is allowing new projects to take off with the participation of international companies that are not coming to Kuwait to get the maximum revenue out of projects but to establish long-term partnerships that can bring real value to the country.
Kuwait has all that it takes to be successful in implementing PPPs and catch up with peers in the region who have been moving faster and more efficiently. The country just needs political willingness.

How important are renewables for the domestic energy sector?
Electricity consumption is growing on a year-on-year basis, meaning that the country needs to upgrade both its power plants and the energy grid. Adding renewable generation capacity will help stabilise the network and address the power shortages that the MEW [Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy] is warning will come in the next few years if nothing changes.
The government has recognized the importance of accelerating initiatives such as the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park and overcoming political stalemates and bureaucracy that have previously hindered big power sector projects.
The power sector needs innovation to balance the mix between conventional fuel and green energy. The right combination of technologies would not only lower the costs associated with burning fossil fuels but also improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid.

What types of projects is TSK targeting in Kuwait?
TSK is an integral solution provider in the field of industrial and energy infrastructure. We can bring more than 40 years of experience to help Kuwait’s productive sector become more sustainable, and we believe PPPs are the right way forward.
We have worked extensively in the MENA region, and our company can deliver technology for concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) and PV plants. In North Africa, for example, we are involved in a project for a hybrid solar power plant that will combine CSP and PV generation with thermal and battery energy storage systems. We feel that one of our strengths is our ability to provide a combination of different technologies.
Here in Kuwait, we are open to discussing future engagements with the government, public-sector entities, and the private sector. We are part of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park Phase I and there were new projects announced by KAPP [Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects] and the MEW, but there is still uncertainty around the timelines of those projects.

Where does Kuwait fit in TSK’s overall strategy?
Kuwait is an important market for us. We have been involved in Shagaya, managing the engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance of PV and CSP plants, and I can tell you that we are seeing some encouraging activity. We want to help expand Kuwait’s renewable generation capacity, and we are confident that if we remain committed, the market will become more dynamic. We are willing to go beyond just installing modules and participate in all of Shagaya’s future development phases, creating partnerships via PPPs or public tenders so we can add more value to the project.
TSK is not only a turnkey EPC provider that can handle operation and maintenance, but also a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our performance. With nearly four decades of driving technological advancements, we have established a robust reputation on a global scale. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated by our recent investment of EUR 61 million in R&D. That is 1.2% of our sales, and our target is to reach 2% in the next five years. This philosophy powers our newly established TSK Sustainability Technologies Center.
By introducing these technological innovations to Kuwait, we aim to elevate the country’s overall infrastructure capabilities and increase energy efficiency. We are fully prepared to contribute positively to the nation’s growth; we merely need the right opportunities to demonstrate our capabilities

What are the key challenges and opportunities for companies like TSK in Kuwait’s renewables sector?
I’m very optimistic about Kuwait. There is not much green energy here, so it is the perfect playground to implement new technologies. Kuwait still relies on diesel power plants for about half of its electricity generation. I am not saying that the whole power network should be based on solar or wind power, but the country needs to have energy from different sources to ensure that output is enough to satisfy demand and to guarantee energy security.
Kuwait is trying to decarbonise its economy and make it more sustainable, beginning with its oil and gas sector, but it needs support from companies like ours that have the right expertise and technology.

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