Mitsubishi Power lands Kuwait’s Az-Zour South upgrade project

Consortium with HEISCO to overhaul and optimise eight units at the ≈40-yr-old power station to reinforce country’s growing power needs and support GHG emissions reduction targets.

A consortium led by Mitsubishi Power and partner Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Co. (HEISCO) has been awarded the contract to upgrade Kuwait’s Az-Zour South Power Station. 

The Kuwait Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy awarded large-scale project covering the optimisation and rehabilitation of a total of eight units with the goal of recovering steam generation capacity, increasing grid reliability and reinforcing Kuwait’s growing power needs while supporting greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

First commissioned in 1986, work on the 2,400MW capacity plant will see existing, deteriorated boiler components overhauled and upgraded with the boiler operation optimised through integration of a new Distributed Control System.

In addition, Mitsubishi Power will install advanced environmental improvement technology solutions aiming at reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions. This reflects and aligns with the Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (KEPA) goals for emissions reduction nationally and will mark a critical step in the country’s transition towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly power generation fleet.

Commenting on the announcement, Eng. Haitham Al-Ali Kuwait, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy for Kuwait, said: "Recognising Kuwait's need for new power capacity to meet our growing energy needs, this project is a critical step towards supporting a decarbonized energy future. With the company's global expertise, proven engineering standards, and track record in high quality power solutions in Kuwait across the Middle East, we are confident that Mitsubishi Power will continue to accompany our journey of progress towards a sustainable energy future for the country.”

Khalid Salem, President of Middle East & North Africa for Mitsubishi Power cited the company’s 50-year track record in Kuwait, adding: “As Kuwait embarks on its next phase of ambitious growth in line with Vision 2035, we are committed to continue supporting the Ministry in expanding its power infrastructure and steering its transition towards a low carbon society.”

In early March, Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr Salem Al-Hajraf unveiled the country’s 2030-50 renewable energy strategy. He noted 22,100MW will be generated through renewable energy sources by 2030. Kuwait is targeting growth in renewable energy production from 15 to 30 per cent in the same timeframe and 50 per cent by 2050.

A leading power supplier for Kuwait’s energy sector, Mitsubishi Power provides around 43 per cent of total power supply with proprietary technologies installed in various power plants including the 2.4GW Doha West, 2.4GW Sabiya, and 0.5GW Shuaiba South B. 

In May 2023, the company won the long-term contract to boost efficiency of Sabiya Power and Water Distillation Station, which included upgrades to turbines and generators at eight steam units and the control system, to extend operational lifetime a further 20 years.

Mitsubishi Power also oversees key oil and gas sector installations, including the Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries, and supplies desalination equipment for Sabiya Power Station, among others.