Kuwait Oil Company has awarded KBR an advisory consulting contract for developing a comprehensive master plan for the production of 17GW of renewables and 25GW of green hydrogen by 2050.
Under this contract, KBR will provide advisory services to develop a phased strategy for deploying significant wind and solar power, combined with power storage capabilities. The renewable power generated will be used for green hydrogen production, both for internal industrial use and export. This project, expected to span 18 months, will include market analysis, techno-commercial feasibility studies, and the training of Kuwaiti nationals.
Kuwait’s target of producing 25GW of green hydrogen by 2050 is ambitious, considering the current global capacity. To put this into perspective, the European Union’s Hydrogen Strategy aims for 40GW of renewable hydrogen electrolyzers by 2030. While Kuwait’s goals are set for a later date, they indicate a significant commitment to green hydrogen, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
KBR’s involvement in this project underscores its capabilities in advisory and consulting services for large-scale energy projects. According to Jay Ibrahim, KBR President of Sustainable Technology Solutions, the contract “highlights our advisory capabilities in the development of major energy transition investments at a national level.” This statement, while optimistic, must be critically evaluated against KBR’s track record and the complexities of the project.
KBR’s experience in the GCC region and its history of project delivery and technology deployment are strong assets. However, the success of this project will hinge on KBR’s ability to navigate technical, commercial, and logistical challenges unique to Kuwait’s energy landscape.
Developing a phased strategy for 17GW of renewables and 25GW of green hydrogen requires careful planning and execution. The integration of wind and solar power with energy storage solutions is technically complex, necessitating advanced technologies and significant investment. Additionally, the production and export of green hydrogen involve infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, and international cooperation.
KBR’s role in conducting market analysis and feasibility studies is crucial. These studies will determine the viability of proposed solutions and identify potential barriers. The training of Kuwaiti nationals is also a positive aspect, ensuring local expertise and sustainable development. However, it remains to be seen how effectively KBR can translate its advisory capabilities into actionable strategies that meet Kuwait’s ambitious targets.
When compared to other global hydrogen projects, Kuwait’s plan is notably large in scale. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, which aims to produce 650 tons of green hydrogen per day by 2025, is one of the world’s largest green hydrogen projects. Kuwait’s target of 25GW by 2050 suggests a long-term vision that requires sustained investment and commitment.
KBR’s involvement in similar projects globally can provide valuable insights. However, each project has unique challenges, and success in one region does not guarantee the same outcome in another. KBR must leverage its global experience while tailoring its approach to Kuwait’s specific needs and conditions.
