Home GCC Kuwait Kuwait scraps nuclear power plans Ministry says alternative sources are more cost effective by Robert Anderson August 24, 2016 Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water has reportedly scrapped plans to build a nuclear power plant citing cost concerns. The country had planned to obtain a licence for the project from the United Nations. Kuwait Times reports that the ministry decided to retract the plans because studies proved it was unfeasible and too expensive. The ministry also said alternative energy sources like wind and solar power were more cost effective, according to the publication. The country is expected to require several new power stations between 2020 and 2030. In recent years, Gulf nations have turned their attention to nuclear part as part of plans to diversify their energy mix. The UAE is currently constructing four nuclear reactors at a plant in Barakah, which is scheduled for completion in 2020. Read: Construction of UAE’s first nuclear plant now 68% complete Saudi Arabia too has ambitious nuclear power plans and could construct up to 16 reactors over the next 20 years, according to the World Nuclear Association. Last week, Russia’s energy minister expressed an interest in helping the kingdom develop its nuclear power sector. Read: Russia expresses interest in Saudi nuclear plans 0 Comments