Oil industry in Kuwait maps out ambitious plan for carbon neutrality through bold climate initiatives
In Kuwait, the oil sector is taking significant strides towards a greener future, aligning with the nation's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
The Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) is leading the charge, with an initiative at the Al-Zour refinery that involves rerouting feedstock from the hydrogen recovery unit to the refinery's fuel gas network. This move is expected to reduce hydrogen gas flaring during steam shortages.
One of KIPIC's key initiatives is the Zero Routine Gas Flaring by 2030. This ambitious project includes building new sour gas processing units, constructing gas pipelines, and upgrading existing infrastructure. Technologies such as leak detection and repair are being used to minimize fugitive methane emissions, further contributing to this initiative.
Another pillar of KIPIC's strategy is the development of a large-scale carbon capture facility in Western Kuwait. This facility uses alternating gas and water technology for enhanced oil recovery, a step towards carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is also actively involved in this transition. The company is exploring certified mechanisms to offset residual emissions and is working towards achieving 26 million tons per year of CCUS capacity across the oil sector by 2050.
KOC's efforts are part of Kuwait's broader national strategy to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy. The company supports the country’s Low Carbon Strategy 2050, which emphasizes expanding renewable energy use, adopting circular carbon economy solutions, and reducing fossil fuel reliance by replacing part of it with natural gas and waste-to-energy alternatives.
Kuwait's oil sector has also launched a series of projects to support a diversified energy mix. KIPIC continues ongoing assessments for potential investments in renewable energy solutions, while the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Last year, KIPIC made a significant contribution to reduced CO2 emissions by exporting low-sulfur fuels such as diesel and jet fuel. The company has also implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, promote occupational health and safety, and ensure compliance with international and national standards.
Energy Efficiency Enhancement by 8-12% by 2045 is another initiative, which involves shifting electric submersible pumps from diesel-powered generators to the national electricity grid.
In summary, the oil sector in Kuwait is undergoing a critical shift towards sustainable energy practices. The combined efforts by KOC and KIPIC, along with the support of the government and international partners, are paving the way for a greener future for Kuwait's economy.
- The science behind carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is being employed by KIPIC in a large-scale carbon capture facility in Western Kuwait.
- The ambition to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030 is a key initiative led by the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC).
- As part of its strategy, KIPIC is using technologies like leak detection and repair to minimize fugitive methane emissions.
- The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) aims to achieve 26 million tons per year of CCUS capacity across the oil sector by 2050, as part of Kuwait's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- To support the country’s Low Carbon Strategy 2050, KOC is exploring certified mechanisms to offset residual emissions and focusing on expanding renewable energy use.
- The oil sector in Kuwait is also working towards a diversified energy mix, with KIPIC continually assessing potential investments in renewable energy solutions.
- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligned with the nation’s sustainable energy goals.
- Last year, KIPIC reduced CO2 emissions by exporting low-sulfur fuels, and has implemented various initiatives to promote environmental stewardship, occupational health and safety, and compliance with international standards—all fundamental aspects of sustainable living in today's gadget-driven, home-and-garden, lifestyle-oriented, and business-minded society empowered by technology and the growth of smart home devices, even in industries like sports-betting.
