Concern on renewable energy project

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MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei

KUWAIT CITY, May 4: MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei has expressed his reservation and concern over the renewable energy project managed by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) that costs KD 520 million as it is not in line with the country’s directive on diversification of income sources.

He revealed the project came through an Amiri grant to Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), which later led to the establishment of a model power plant in Al-Shagaya. He said the State Planning Council approved the project that was included in the development plan for 2012 with a budget of KD 177 million.

However, prior to determining the technical aspects of the projects, the former chief executive officer of KPC requested permission from the Cabinet to obtain KD 520 million loan for the construction of another power plant to cover 15 percent corporation’s energy needs for the year 2020, he added.

The MP pointed out that KPC decided on the nature of production without conducting studies or research while the Cabinet approved the request on June 19, 2017 – before presenting the project to the High Council for Petroleum (HPC).

When the project was presented to KPC’s board of directors and HPC later, it was rejected due to lack of professional manpower for its implementation. Therefore, a proposal was presented to involve the private sector and it was approved by the Cabinet, he narrated.

He added prime minister also heads HPC, yet the Cabinet approves and the council rejects; so he is wondering if the prime minister is included in making such decisions. He believes the project lacks structural organization and it has violated several laws and regulations, considering it does not fall under the jurisdiction of KPC and it has been taken from the Ministry of Electricity – the official body in charge of the construction of power plants.

He said KPC has laid down plans without informing the concerned authorities, claiming that it needs additional power plant while planning to sell the plant to the Ministry of Electricity and then purchase its requirements at subsidized prices. He reiterated this project is not in line with the vision of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the country to be self sufficient and to diversify sources of State income.

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff

This news has been read 12620 times!

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