National Petroleum: Clean Fuel for Power Plants
65% Improvement in Air Quality in Surrounding Areas
By Najiha Bilal
In a move to protect the environment and reinforce the principles of sustainability, sources familiar with the matter told Al-Siyasa that Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has supplied fuel with low sulfur content to power stations operated by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy. This shift represents a qualitative and radical leap aimed at improving the ambient air quality around the country, offering a safe and sustainable environmental alternative to traditional fuel.
The same information confirmed that KNPC adopted this step to strongly support national efforts aimed at reducing emissions resulting from power generation processes, in line with the “New Kuwait” vision and the country’s international commitments to reduce its carbon footprint.
It was stated that the Zour Refinery, one of KNPC’s subsidiaries, is designed to refine various types of crude oil to produce low-sulfur petroleum derivatives that meet local and global energy needs, while strictly adhering to environmental standards and the requirements of the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs in the State of Kuwait.
The strategic transition from using high-sulfur fuel oil at a 4% concentration to low-sulfur fuel oil at a 0.5% concentration resulted in a sharp decline in sulfur levels. Air monitoring campaigns recorded a 65% reduction in pollution in the areas surrounding the power stations as a result of this transition.
Information indicated that, according to the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the change at the South Zour and Doha power stations has directly contributed to lowering sulfur dioxide emissions at both facilities.
This operational reduction has positively and visibly impacted air quality in the residential areas adjacent to the two stations, thereby protecting the public health of citizens and residents and reducing health risks associated with gaseous emissions.
The supply of this clean fuel to power generation stations represents a successful practical model of strategic integration and alignment between Kuwait’s oil and energy sectors. This integration contributes to reducing emissions and achieving a delicate balance between driving industrial and economic development on one hand, and protecting the environment and natural resources on the other.
Sources told Al-Siyasa that this environmental achievement reflects KNPC’s commitment to applying the highest environmental and operational standards and supporting the country’s national environmental goals. These steps align with the strategic directions of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s 2040 Vision, which aims to enhance environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility across all projects. They also underscore the strict and transparent application of corporate governance practices. Furthermore, this step supports the vigorous national efforts to reduce gaseous emissions from power generation, in line with the “New Kuwait” vision and Kuwait’s international commitments to reduce its carbon footprint. Notably, Kuwait aims to achieve carbon neutrality (“zero emissions”) across the entire country by 2060, while planning to reach this goal by 2050 specifically within the oil and gas sector.
