Energy

With the recent addition of a new 1400-MW power plant, Kuwait appears ready to meet the increase in electricity demand that occurs every summer. Government authorities are also planning to bring additional capacity on-line over the next few years, with the private sector expected to play a major role in this expansion.

Regional events are forcing Jordan to look past its traditional sources of energy, both in terms of feedstock and physical location. Disruptions in the supply of natural gas to the kingdom coupled with rising costs, mean it may look elsewhere for feedstock, while also pushing forward with its own nuclear energy programme.

Oman is scaling up investments in its electricity sector in a bid to boost production to meet spiralling demand. Plans are in hand to construct new power stations across the country and diversify sources of supply, though it will take some years before the Sultanate will have a comfortable cushion of excess generation capacity.

In line with a broader, nationwide policy of exploiting offshore oil and gas sources, recent moves in Sabah to develop a new gas field and link it up with the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) should pay dividends for the state as it seeks to advance its energy and development plans.

The future of Bulgaria’s proposed Belene nuclear power plant (NPP) once again hangs in the balance after the decision formally to suspend the project while reassessment takes place. The 2000-MW station is seen as central to meeting Bulgaria’s energy needs and has strong government backing, yet questions of financing and safety remain. A new plant should also help boost the economy as Bulgaria is south-eastern Europe’s biggest electricity exporter, doubling its power exports last year, according to the international press.

An economy in full growth brings myriad benefits to a country but does have the potential to strain existing resources and infrastructure – as Ghana is finding out. Increasing urbanisation, combined with a rise in primary sector activity and planned industrial expansion have emphasised the need for additional electricity generation capacity in Ghana, prompting the government to adopt a multi-pronged approach to boost supply.