Kuwait city: Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem addressed the importance of energy transition as a "key national priority" for Kuwait, linking it to economic stability, environmental responsibility, and national security. He conveyed these insights during the opening of the "EU-Kuwait Green Transition Forum," an event organized in collaboration with the EU-GCC Cooperation Project on the Green Transition and under the Supreme Energy Committee's patronage.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Mukhaizeem emphasized that Kuwait's energy transition strategy is integral to Kuwait Vision 2035, the nation's sustainable development and economic diversification roadmap. He highlighted that Kuwait is adopting a unified approach under the Supreme Energy Committee, coordinating energy security, sustainable growth, and international commitments to support national goals across the energy, water, and climate sectors.
Al-Mukhaizeem acknowledged the global shift towards cleaner energy systems, emphasizing the need for a "realistic and gradual" transition that aligns with Kuwait's role as a major energy producer. He stressed the forum's significance in enhancing cooperation with the European Union, allowing Kuwait to leverage its sustainable development vision and benefit from the EU's expertise in transition planning, regulatory reforms, and innovation.
EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen marked the forum as coinciding with the 40th anniversary of EU-Kuwait diplomatic relations. She expressed the EU's readiness to negotiate a strategic partnership agreement with Kuwait, focusing on the green transition and underscoring the EU's commitment to supporting Kuwait through knowledge exchange and technical partnership.
Dr. Faisal Al-Hamidan, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), stated that Kuwait's energy system is entering a transformative phase necessitating ambitious policies backed by solid technical foundations. He underscored KISR's role in providing independent applied research to guide government energy policy, support system planning, and mitigate implementation risks.
Al-Hamidan reiterated the strategic importance of collaboration with the EU, citing its experience in managing complex energy transitions and offering tested models in energy efficiency and system reforms. He affirmed KISR's dedication to supporting Kuwait's energy transition through practical and technically sound actions in close cooperation with both national and international partners.