KUWAIT
(Updated 2018)
PREAMBLE
This report provides information on the status and development of nuclear power programmes in Kuwait, including factors related to the effective planning, decision making and implementation of a potential nuclear power programme that together lead to safe and economical operation of nuclear power plants.
The CNPP summarizes organizational and industrial aspects of nuclear power programmes and provides information about the relevant legislative, regulatory and international framework in Kuwait.
Kuwait has no nuclear reactors in operation. Although the deployment of nuclear power is not considered at present as an option in the short and medium terms, Kuwait has a keen interest in monitoring the development of nuclear energy in the region and keeping abreast of the progress of nuclear energy technologies. The country needs to sustain the necessary national expertise to track the new developments concerning, in particular, the technology of small and medium size reactors (SMRs), as well as other areas of major significance related to nuclear power such as safety enhancements, radioactive waste disposal and emergency response, to strengthen the national operational preparedness to face any nuclear incident occurring in the region.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1. ENERGY INFORMATION
1.1.1. Energy policy
Most of the energy sector is owned by the state. The exploration, production, refining, and marketing of the primary energy resources (oil and gas) are carried out by state owned corporations. Through governmental organizations, the primary energy resources are converted to useful energy and transmitted and distributed to consumers.
The domestic consumption of primary energy claims a considerable amount, and has had an annual average growth rate of 5.15% over the past 16 years. The Kuwaiti Government has been exploring alternative energy resources, including renewables and nuclear, for the purpose of sustaining the production of useful energy, maximizing oil revenues and minimizing CO2, NOx and SOx emissions. However, the nuclear option is not likely to be considered in the foreseeable future.
1.1.2. Estimated available energy
Table 1 shows the reserves of fossil fuels and uranium, and potential renewable energy.
TABLE 1. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES
| Estimated available energy sources | ||||||
| Fossil fuel | Nuclear | Renewables | ||||
| Solid | Liquid | Gas | Uranium | Hydro | Other | |
| renewable** | ||||||
| Total amount in specific units (unit*) | 0 | 14216 | 1784 | 0 | 0 | Solar: 1835 |
| Wind: 4.0 | ||||||
* Solid, liquid: million tonnes; gas: billion m3; uranium: metric tonnes; hydro, renewable: TW.
** Solar: Average direct normal irradiance (DNI) kWh/m2 per year. Wind: Annual average m/s.
Sources: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Annual Statistical Bulletin, 2016.
Solar GIS data, accessed 1 May 2018.
1.1.3. Energy statistics
TABLE 2. ENERGY STATISTICS IN EXAJOULEs (EJ)
| Ave. annual growth rate (%) | |||||||
| Year | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | 2000 to 2016 |
| Energy consumption [EJ] | |||||||
| Total | 0.61 | 0.39 | 0.67 | 1.25 | 1.48 | 1.50 | 5.15 |
| Solids** | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Liquids | 0.33 | 0.18 | 0.42 | 0.72 | 0.71 | 0.70 | 3.26 |
| Gases | 0.28 | 0.22 | 0.25 | 0.53 | 0.77 | 0.80 | 7.51 |
| Nuclear | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Hydro | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Renewables | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Energy production [EJ] | |||||||
| Total | 3.94 | 2.13 | 4.72 | 5.48 | 6.90 | 6.96 | 2.46 |
| Solids** | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Liquids | 3.62 | 1.87 | 4.32 | 5.04 | 6.27 | 6.31 | 2.40 |
| Gases | 0.32 | 0.26 | 0.40 | 0.44 | 0.63 | 0.65 | 3.09 |
| Nuclear | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Hydro | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Renewables | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Net import [EJ] (Import–Export) | |||||||
| Total | –2.77 | –1.38 | –2.63 | –3.06 | –4.20 | –4.54 | 3.47 |
1 Billion barrels = 5.862 EJ = 0.0371 billion m3.
** Solid fuels include coal, lignite.
Source: Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Annual Statistical Reports: 2017, 2013, 2003, 1993, 1980.
1.2. THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEM
1.2.1. Electricity policy and decision making process
The electricity power system is a vertically integrated structure, which is owned and operated by the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW). The system is solely dependent on oil and gas fuels to generate electricity and produce potable water. The oil (and products) and gas are provided by the state owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The main drivers for the generation, development and enforcement of the electricity network are residential housing and commercial projects.
1.2.2. Structure of electric power sector
As mentioned above, the electricity power system is a vertically integrated structure, owned and operated by a governmental organization. The current installed capacity is close to 19.0 GW and it is expected to reach 28 GW by 2030. The electricity network consists of five voltage levels, including 400, 275, 132, 33 and 11 kV. The 400 kV network was recently included in the system as well. The first 400 kV substation has been in operation since March 2011.
1.2.3. Main indicators
TABLE 3. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY
| Ave. annual growth rate (%) | |||||||
| Year | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | 2000 to 2016 |
| Capacity of electrical plants (GWe) | |||||||
| Thermal | 2.58 | 7.28 | 9.19 | 13.38 | 16.72 | 18.85 | 4.59 |
| Nuclear | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Hydro | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Renewables | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| Total | 2.58 | 7.28 | 9.19 | 13.38 | 16.72 | 18.87 | 4.60 |
| Electricity production (TWh) | |||||||
| Thermal | 9.417 | 18.48 | 32.32 | 57.08 | 68.29 | 70.09 | 4.96 |
| Nuclear | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Hydro | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Renewables | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Total | 9.42 | 18.48 | 32.32 | 57.08 | 68.29 | 70.09 | 4.96 |
| Total electricity consumption (TWh) | 8.68 | 18.47 | 27.464 | 50.18 | 60.41 | 61.915 | 5.21 |
Sources: Statistical Year Book — Electrical Energy, 2017, Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait.
Statistical Year Book — Electrical Energy, 1994, Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait.
TABLE 4. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS
| 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | |
| Energy consumption per capita (GJ/capita) | 356.20 | 183.55 | 293.62 | 368.29 | 281.85 | 268.40 |
| Electricity consumption per capita (kWh/capita) | 6393.00 | 8695.00 | 12305.00 | 14010.00 | 14251.00 | 14036.00 |
| Electricity production/Energy production (%) | 0.86 | 3.14 | 2.46 | 3.74 | 3.56 | 3.62 |
| *Ratio of external dependency (%) | –456.00 | –351.00 | –392.00 | –244.00 | –285.00 | –303.00 |
| 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | |
| Energy consumption per capita (GJ/capita) | 356.20 | 183.55 | 293.62 | 368.29 | 281.85 | 268.40 |
| Electricity consumption per capita (kWh/capita) | 6393.00 | 8695.00 | 12305.00 | 14010.00 | 14251.00 | 14036.00 |
| Electricity production/Energy production (%) | 0.86 | 3.14 | 2.46 | 3.74 | 3.56 | 3.62 |
| *Ratio of external dependency (%) | –456.00 | –351.00 | –392.00 | –244.00 | –285.00 | –303.00 |
*Net import/Total energy consumption.
Sources: Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Annual Statistical Reports, 2017, 2013, 2003, 1993, 1980.
Statistical Year Book — Electrical Energy, 2017, Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait.
Statistical Year Book — Electrical Energy, 1994, Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait.
2. NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION
2.1. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
2.1.1. Overview
The State of Kuwait had two attempts to develop and pursue a nuclear programme for electric power generation. The first attempt was in the 1970s, in coordination with and with the support of the IAEA and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. A request for proposal (RFP) was issued for a 50 MW nuclear reactor to demonstrate the capability of power generation. The programme was cancelled in early 1980s due to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident and other considerations. The second attempt was in 2009, following the rise of oil prices and rapid growth of energy demand in the country. An Amiri decree was issued to form the Kuwait National Nuclear Energy Committee (KNNEC), to pave the way for the development of a national nuclear programme. As part of the efforts undertaken in the second attempt, economic feasibility and siting survey studies were carried out and a first draft of a nuclear law, including international agreements, was signed with France, Japan, Jordan and the United States of America; about 30 students were sponsored to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nuclear science and engineering abroad. The policy on utilization of nuclear energy in Kuwait shifted after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan in March 2011. An Amiri decree was issued in July 2011 to cancel the Kuwait nuclear programme for power generation. The Amiri decree transferred the KNNEC programme to the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). Accordingly, KISR adjusted the originally assigned goal of the programme to fit its research and development (R&D) mandate.
Recently, KISR developed a long range plan, setting the strategic research directions for the period up to 2030. With regard to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the focus is on capacity building to support the sustainable development of relevant nuclear techniques and applications, in addition to their integration in relevant research programmes at KISR’s centres and activities related to environmental monitoring, protection and radiation safety, including nuclear and radiological emergency and preparedness, and the study of environmental related issues involving monitoring and assessment of radioactive sites and materials under KISR’s Crisis Decision Support Programme.
2.1.2. Current organizational chart
Not applicable.
2.2. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS: OVERVIEW
2.2.1. Status and performance of nuclear power plants
TABLE 7. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Table 7 is not applicable.
2.2.2. Plant upgrading, plant life management and licence renewals
Not applicable.
2.3. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER
2.3.1. Nuclear power development strategy
Not applicable.
2.3.2. Project management
Not applicable.
2.3.3. Project funding
Not applicable.
2.3.4. Electric grid development
Not applicable.
2.3.5. Site selection
Not applicable.
2.4. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION OF NPPs
Not applicable.
2.5. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN OPERATION OF NPPs
Not applicable.
2.6. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN DECOMMISSIONING OF NPPs
Not applicable.
2.7. FUEL CYCLE, INCLUDING WASTE MANAGEMENT
Not applicable.
2.8. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
2.8.1. R&D organizations
The main R&D institutions in the country are KISR and Kuwait University (KU).
2.8.2. Development of advanced nuclear technologies
Not applicable.
2.8.3. International cooperation and initiatives
KISR participates actively in the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme. Through the TC Programme, efforts are being deployed to build and sustain human and institutional capacity to safely utilize nuclear technologies to address local needs, global issues and contribute to national socioeconomic development.
The current portfolio of projects under the TC Programme, which is in line with the strategic planning of the Country Programme Framework (CPF) signed by the Government and the IAEA for the period 2014–2019, covers a wide spectrum of applications of radiation and nuclear technology ranging from human health, food and agriculture, management of groundwater resources, industrial applications, to marine environment, and environmental radioactivity monitoring as well as radiation safety.
In 2009, Kuwait pledged $10 million to the proposed IAEA Fuel Bank, which was approved by the IAEA Board in 2010. Kuwait has recently become a member of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) and World Nuclear Association (WNA).
Kuwait signed Memoranda of Cooperation and Understanding (MOC and MOU) with the United States of America and France, focusing on information and expertise exchange, mainly in the area of nuclear applications for power generation. After the cancellation of the Kuwait nuclear programme in July 2011, there have been attempts to utilize the Kuwait–USA MOC to support R&D and training activities. Discussions have been carried out to explore such opportunities.
2.9. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Since 2010, KNNEC has coordinated with the Ministry of Higher Education to establish a study abroad scholarship programme for nuclear science and engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. After the disbanding of KNNEC in July 2011, KISR followed up with students who had been awarded these scholarships. Most of the 20 students who were pursuing nuclear science and engineering degrees have successfully completed their studies.
2.10. STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION
After the disbanding of KNNEC in July 2011, KISR has taken on the role of communicating with the main stakeholders pursuing issues related to the environment, safety regulations, and training.
3. NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3.1. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
3.1.1. Regulatory authority(ies)
Emphasis is being placed at the policy and operational levels on the imperative of developing an adequate national legal and regulatory infrastructure in compliance with international standards, including building a national emergency response capacity and setting up and sustaining an efficient system for nuclear security to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear technologies as viable tools of scientific advancement and socioeconomic development in Kuwait. In this context, special attention is being attached to the opportunities offered by the regional cooperation mechanism under the IAEA TC Programme in particular to work with nuclear regulatory authorities in other countries of the Asia and the Pacific region towards further strengthening of the national technical capacities for occupational exposure control, legislative and safety infrastructures, occupational radiation protection, and nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.
The Radiation Protection Division (RPD) at the Ministry of Health is the regulatory authority that functions to protect and prevent ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and authorize related licences in Kuwait.
RPD’s main responsibilities include:
Conducting periodic inspections of sites with X ray equipment for radioactive materials and radiation sources;
Authorizing and issuing licences pertaining to the use of radioactive material and related equipment;
Calibrating radiation measuring devices;
Measuringthe concentration of radiation in food, drinking water and other consumables;
Monitoring radiation in the environment and measuring radioactive elements causing environmental pollution;
Supervising radioactive waste treatment and the safe disposal and control of the transport of radioactive materials.
3.1.2. Licensing process
See Section 3.1.1.
3.2. MAIN NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN NUCLEAR POWER
Not applicable.
APPENDIX 1: INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND TREATIES
International Agreements
Treaties and Conventions under the Auspices of the IAEA
| Title | Status | In force |
| Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Atomic Energy Agency | Acceptance | 15 Sept 1998 |
| Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material | Accession | 23 May 2004 |
| Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident | Accession | 13 June 2003 |
| Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency | Accession | 13 June 2003 |
| Convention on Nuclear Safety | Accession | 9 Aug 2006 |
| Revised Supplementary Agreement concerning the Provision of Technical Assistance by the International Atomic Energy Agency | Signature | 24 Feb 2003 |
| Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the International Atomic Energy Agency on the Application of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons | Signature | 10 May 1999 |
| Protocol Additional to the Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the International Atomic Energy Agency on the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons | Signature | 19 June 2002 |
| Cooperative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA) | Accession | 31 December 2015 |
| Amendment to the Convention of Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) | Accession | 1 April 2016 |
Treaties/Conventions under Consideration:
Protocol to amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (PVC);
Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention (JP);
Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (RADW);
Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (SUPP);
Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (VC).
Bilateral Agreements
Active:
Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) with France (Jan 2010);
Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Jordan (March 2010);
Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Department of Energy, USA (June 2010);
Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Japan (September 2010);
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Russia (September 2010).
APPENDIX 2: STAKEHOLDERS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Ministry of Electricity and Water, https://www.mew.gov.kw/
Ministry of Public Health
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, http://www.kisr.edu.kw/en/
Kuwait University, http://kuweb.ku.edu.kw/ku/index.htm
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, https://www.kpc.com.kw/
| Name of report coordinator | Eissa Al-Nasrallah |
| Institution | Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research |
| Contacts | Energy and Building Research Center Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research P.O. 24885 Safat 13109 Kuwait Tel.: (+965) 2498-9100 Fax: (+965) 2498-9099 Email: enasrallah@kisr.edu.kw |