Mitsubishi Power awarded major power station upgrade contract by Kuwait to boost grid stability

Mitsubishi Power has won a major ministerial contract that will support Kuwait’s growing power needs with a more reliable grid. The company - the power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - on Monday announced it would be consortium leader to work on the optimisation and rehabilitation of eight units at Az-Zour South Power Station.

Mitsubishi Power and Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Co. K.S.C (Public) (HEISCO) were awarded the landmark contract by Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy.

Increasing grid reliability

The project is designed to recover steam generation capacity, increase reliability of the grid, and support Kuwait’s increasing energy needs. It includes the upgrade of the eight steam generator boilers with new and upgraded components, and replacement of the control and combustion systems for boilers, steam turbines and auxiliaries at the facility, explained Mitsubishi Power.

It is anticipated the large-scale project would increase boiler efficiency and lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Enhancing a Kuwait veteran

The Az-Zour South Power Station was built in the mid-1980’s as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s energy sector, providing total capacity of 2,400MW.

The new contract will see Mitsubishi Power provide services for the rehabilitation of the steam units, which aims to improve operational reliability by overhauling deteriorated components and integrate a new Distributed Control System. It is also providing advanced environmental improvement technology solutions to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, which aligns with Kuwait Environmental Public Authority’s national emission reduction goals.

Long-term partnership

Mitsubishi Power has a 50-plus years relationship with Kuwait, during which its technology solutions have been integral to the power infrastructure, supplying a significant portion of energy needs and powering key installations in the oil and gas industry, including Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries.

This latest initiative is viewed as pivotal to Kuwait’s energy sector, marking a significant step towards transitioning to a more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation fleet, in line with national goals for a decarbonised energy future.

Essential for future growth

Eng. Haitham Al-Ali Kuwait, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, said the contract would ensure modernisation of Az-Zour South Power Station with cutting-edge power solutions that deliver “high efficiency, high performance, and reliable power to the people of Kuwait” in line with Vision 2035.

The politician continued: “Recognising Kuwait’s need for new power capacity to meet our growing energy needs, this project is a critical step towards supporting a decarbonised energy future….we are confident Mitsubishi Power will continue to accompany our journey of progress.”

Khalid Salem, President of Middle East & North Africa, Mitsubishi Power, said the announcement was “a testament to Mitsubishi Power’s well-established track record” in Kuwait. "As Kuwait embarks on its next phase of ambitious growth in line with Vision 2035, we are committed to continue supporting the Ministry in expanding its power infrastructure and steering its transition towards a low carbon society,” he said.