KBR will assist in the development of 25GW of green hydrogen and 17GW of renewable energy planned under Kuwait’s national strategy.
Under an Advisory Consulting Contract from Kuwait Oil Company, KBR will support the nation’s green hydrogen and renewables “masterplan,” driving the advancement of Kuwait’s energy economy.
The US-based firm will provide consulting services to develop a phased strategy for the deployment of wind and solar power, combined with power storage capability. This renewable power capacity will be linked to green hydrogen production, for industrial use and export.
H2 View understands work will be carried out over the next 18 months, with KBR developing a market analysis, techno-commercial feasibility studies, in addition to training Kuwait nationals.
“We are excited to be a part of this significant national-level strategy in Kuwait, as we continue to grow our presence in the country,” explained Jay Ibrahim, KBR President of Sustainable Technology Solutions.
“This win highlights our advisory capabilities in the development of major energy transition investments at a national level, supported by decades of successful project delivery and technology deployment in the GCC region.”
He added that the contract supports KBR’s “strategic commitment” to sustainability and the energy transition in Kuwait.
Earlier this year, the Gulf state commissioned its roadmap for green hydrogen. Kuwait Oil Company first contacted KBR to build out the 25GW green hydrogen strategy in July.
Policy Pillar: Middle East looks to renew energy player role with hydrogen
Traditionally an oil and gas producing region, the Middle East over the past two years has been flexing its energy player muscles as it accelerates on a drive towards capturing the hydrogen market.
While many of the headlines in 2022 and 2023 were dominated by the vast political race between Europe and North America, Middle Eastern states have worked at pace towards realising renewable and low-carbon hydrogen at scale as it looks to renew their roles as global energy suppliers.
Aside from the politics, the region’s potential has been highlighted in a growing number of reports. The Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Flows report said, the region would emerge as a “hydrogen export powerhouse” with extensive and large trade flows to Asia.
That pace only looks to have been accelerated by last December’s UAE-hosted COP28 in Dubai. Amid all the allegations that conference President, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Head of ADNOC and Chairman of Masdar, was using the gathering as an opportunity to pursue new oil and gas licenses, COP28 seemingly delivered a platform for the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries to position itself as the big hydrogen exporters.
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