The EU-Kuwait energy roundtable was organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait as part of commemorations marking 40 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Kuwait. The roundtable brought together representatives from Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), alongside leading European energy experts and diplomats.

Focus Areas for EU-Kuwait Energy Cooperation

The discussions at the EU-Kuwait energy cooperation event centered on multiple dimensions of energy sector development. Participants examined promising opportunities across renewable energy projects, advanced technology deployment, infrastructure development, regulatory framework enhancement, investment mobilization, and capacity building initiatives.

The deliberations reflected the broader context of Kuwait’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, a goal that requires comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s energy landscape and increased reliance on clean energy sources.

European Expertise in Kuwait’s Energy Sector

EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen emphasized the long-standing contribution of European professionals to Kuwait’s energy development. She noted that European experts have collaborated with Kuwaiti counterparts for decades across multiple energy domains, including conventional oil and gas operations, renewable energy projects, engineering consultancies, technical standardization bodies, and policy advisory services.

Koistinen highlighted that the current roundtable built upon outcomes from the EU-Kuwait Green Transition Forum held in February, which was organized under the leadership of Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem. That forum brought together government officials, research institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on clean energy, climate resilience, and skills development.

Strategic Partnership Framework

The EU Ambassador indicated that negotiations are being prepared for an EU-Kuwait Strategic Partnership Agreement. This formal framework would provide structured foundations for existing cooperation efforts and place particular emphasis on energy sector collaboration, creating pathways for more coordinated and sustained engagement between the two parties.

Key Outcomes and Stakeholder Perspectives

Dina AlNakib, Senior Director of Research and Technology Deployment at KFAS and moderator of the roundtable, emphasized the event’s success in bringing together leading European and Kuwaiti energy stakeholders. She noted that the EU-Kuwait energy roundtable effectively demonstrated the contributions of EU professionals within Kuwait’s energy sector and identified avenues for deepening cooperative efforts.

According to AlNakib, participants highlighted several critical elements necessary for effective energy transition. These included operational excellence, infrastructure readiness, technology deployment, supportive regulatory and investment frameworks, institutional knowledge transfer, and stronger partnerships among government agencies, industry, research organizations, and diplomatic stakeholders.

Learning from EU’s Energy Transition Experience

The EU-Kuwait energy roundtable also showcased valuable lessons from the EU’s own energy transition journey. Speakers highlighted that renewable energy now generates more electricity across the EU than fossil fuels, reflecting the bloc’s substantial restructuring of its energy system over the past decade.

This European experience holds particular relevance for Kuwait as it seeks to expand clean energy deployment and diversify its energy mix. The EU Delegation to Kuwait indicated its commitment to ongoing engagement with Kuwait to advance green transition initiatives. The organization stated that it will continue supporting the development of a more sustainable and resilient energy system through innovation, expertise sharing, and long-term strategic cooperation between the two partners.

The Sudanese government on 21st June 2026 relaunched a Turkish-Sudanese joint transformer factory located south of Khartoum, a move aimed at addressing the severe shortage of electrical equipment resulting from the ongoing conflict and supporting broader industrial recovery efforts. The reopening comes after extensive damage to Sudan’s power infrastructure following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.

Authorities estimate that approximately 15,000 electricity transformers of varying capacities have been destroyed since the conflict began. Each transformer is valued at around $46,000. In addition to the loss of transformers, substantial quantities of electrical cables were looted for their copper content, while utility companies lost entire stocks of critical hardware after warehouses in Khartoum were ransacked. 

Officials Highlight Importance of Local Production

Sudan’s Industry and Trade Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub joined the governors of Khartoum and Al-Jazirah states to officially inaugurate the Maxan transformer factory in the Safola industrial area. The facility was originally established in 2020 as a partnership between Sudanese and Turkish investors but ceased operations after suffering war-related damage and looting.

Yaqoub stated that the return of the joint transformer factory will assist government initiatives focused on rebuilding the country’s industrial sector while reducing dependence on imported equipment. Domestic transformer manufacturing plays an important role in stabilizing electricity services, reducing costs, and supporting both maintenance activities and grid expansion projects.

Khartoum State Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza said the state had lost around 14,000 transformers in addition to extensive quantities of cables and other equipment. He described the reopening as a strategic measure to ease the shortage and urged factory management to expand output and accessory production lines to meet reconstruction needs. Hamza also pledged state support for securing industrial zones and facilitating the return of factories to operation.

Production Expansion Planned as Demand Rises

Al-Jazirah State Governor Al-Tahir Ibrahim al-Khair emphasized the significance of domestic manufacturing, noting that his state is home to eight industrial cities that depend on such services for both industrial and agricultural activities. Representing the Maxan board of directors, Ibn al-Jarrah Ali announced that the joint transformer factory has already begun operations with an initial production capacity of 150 transformers per month under a single-shift system. Plans are in place to add more shifts and modernize production lines to satisfy growing demand across Sudanese states.

Earlier in June 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum unveiled an urgent four-track strategy designed to rehabilitate the electricity sector, improve supply reliability, and stabilize the national grid. Measures include repairing inactive stations in Khartoum State to support the return of residents, reinforcing distribution networks, and installing new transformers in densely populated areas. According to the United Nations Development Programme, Sudan’s electricity sector has incurred damages of around $3 billion since the war broke out, contributing to worsening power outages across multiple states.

The two new nuclear reactors planned for Yeongdeok County will each have a capacity of 1,400 MW and are expected to be completed in 2037 and 2038. These units are anticipated to employ South Korea’s domestically developed Generation III+ APR1400 pressurised water reactor (PWR) technology. The APR1400 was created by KHNP and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco). KHNP operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kepco and is responsible for owning and operating South Korea’s commercial nuclear power facilities.

Alongside the large-scale reactor project, KHNP is moving ahead with plans for the i-SMR plant in Gijang County, which is targeted for completion in 2035. The i-SMR is South Korea’s proprietary next-generation SMR nuclear plant and was developed by a consortium of South Korean organisations led by KHNP and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Known as the Innovative Small Modular Reactor, the design is based on PWR technology and delivers an electrical output of 170 MW. Reports in South Korea stated that the Gijang SMR facility is expected to have a total capacity of about 700 MW, suggesting the deployment of four units with a combined capacity of 680 MW.

The designation of these locations for the two new nuclear reactors marks the first occasion since 2011 that South Korea has selected new sites for nuclear power plants. According to KHNP, the chosen locations were identified following assessments covering suitability, environmental impact, construction feasibility and public acceptance. The company intends to launch licensing procedures, including an environmental impact assessment in early 2027.

Rosatom’s commitment to Vietnam’s nuclear industry

Likhachev reaffirmed Rosatom’s readiness to assist Vietnam in advancing its nuclear industry through support for the establishment of a modern nuclear center, the promotion of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the training of highly qualified nuclear specialists. He also emphasized the corporation’s intention to maintain close cooperation with Vietnamese partners to ensure the effective implementation of previously agreed projects while exploring additional areas with strong potential for future collaboration. Likhachev stated that cooperation with Vietnam remains one of Rosatom’s top priorities.

Ninh Thuan Project Remains Central to Nuclear Cooperation

He further noted that Rosatom is working closely with Vietnamese counterparts to move forward with the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project. In addition to cooperation in the nuclear industry, he pointed to opportunities for expanded collaboration in renewable energy, high technology, logistics, and shipbuilding for the Arctic region.

Vietnam’s Commitment to Nuclear Energy Development

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed appreciation for the longstanding contributions of Rosatom and the Russian side to Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector over the past four decades, including support related to the operation of the Da Lat nuclear reactor. He said that the Vietnam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, supported by a high degree of political trust, provides a strong platform for elevating bilateral cooperation in atomic energy into a long-term strategic pillar.

The Prime Minister also noted that, as an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vietnam places significant importance on the peaceful application and development of nuclear energy. In that context, cooperation with Russia and the implementation of the Ninh Thuan I Nuclear Power Plant project continue to rank among Vietnam’s highest priorities. He called on Rosatom and the Russian side to continue supporting the extension of operations at the Da Lat reactor and the implementation of the Nuclear Science and Technology Center project in Dong Nai city.

Opening the event, Mr. Orkhan Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, articulated the critical importance of regional energy connectivity as a driver for economic advancement and sustainable development.

IsDB’s Vision for Optimized Energy Resources

Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Issa Faye, Director General of Global Practice and Partnerships at IsDB, elaborated on how robust regional energy interconnections empower countries to optimize their energy resources more effectively. He emphasized that such collaborations enhance the reliability of electricity supply, reduce costs, significantly support the integration of renewable energy sources, and cultivate more robust regional economic cooperation.

Expert Panel Discusses Landmark Projects and Lessons Learned

The forum included in-depth panel discussions moderated by Mr. Idrissa Dia, Director of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Department (ESID) at IsDB. The distinguished panelists included H.E. Mr. Yusuf Majidi, First Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan; Mr. Sherard Cowper-Coles, Vice President and Corporate Secretary at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Mr. Siegfried Leffler, Head of Operations at GIZ International Services; and Mr. Abdoulaye DIA, Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

These leaders shared invaluable insights from their involvement in major initiatives such as CASA-1000, the OMVG Interconnection Project, and the Rogun Hydropower Plant. Their contributions provided crucial lessons on project preparation, financing strategies, effective governance, comprehensive risk management, and the development of commercially viable regional electricity markets.

Benefits of Interconnected Power Systems

Participants universally acknowledged that interconnected power systems offer substantial advantages. These include improved energy security, substantial cost reductions, expanded access to reliable electricity, and a greater capacity for integrating renewable energy sources. The discussions also brought to the fore the critical need for enhanced regional cooperation and the vital role of initiatives like Mission 300 in addressing escalating energy demand and underpinning long-term economic transformation.

Call for Accelerated Collaboration and Key Priorities

The event concluded with a compelling call for intensified collaboration among governments, development institutions, utility providers, and regulatory bodies. The objective is to accelerate the development of regional energy corridors. Key priorities identified for future action include deepening market integration, strengthening regulatory cooperation, pioneering innovative financing mechanisms, refining risk-mitigation frameworks, and fostering greater coordination among all stakeholders.

The deliberations reaffirmed the IsDB’s unwavering commitment to advancing regional integration through the development of sustainable energy infrastructure, with the ultimate goals of promoting energy security, facilitating economic transformation, and fostering shared prosperity.

The project will be implemented under the leadership of the state-owned Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and is intended to enable the integration of 22 gigawatts (GW) of renewable-energy capacity into the national network by 2030. This volume of renewable generation is expected to provide enough electricity to serve approximately 10 million households. By reinforcing the clean energy grid, the investment aligns with Egypt’s national priorities to expand renewable energy deployment, improve electricity infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional energy hub. The initiative also contributes to the objectives of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership by promoting investment mobilisation, advancing renewable energy cooperation and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable, secure and competitive energy system.

“This agreement reflects the strength of the partnership between Egypt and the European Union and our shared determination to advance the green transition,” said Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates.

“Together with the EIB and the EU, we are taking an important step to modernise our electricity network, strengthen energy security and create new opportunities for sustainable growth. This is the kind of practical cooperation that brings real benefits to our economy and our people,” he added.

The clean energy grid initiative is among the first major operations launched under the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative, (T-MED), which serves as a flagship programme of the Pact for the Mediterranean. The framework is intended to promote renewable energy and clean-tech cooperation between the European Union and its southern Mediterranean partners.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica said, “Under its newly launched flagship initiative, T-MED, today we presented a major EU-supported project to strengthen and expand Egypt’s electricity infrastructure. This will reinforce Egypt’s role in the regional energy markets and create major business opportunities for local and European companies. It is another testimony of our shared commitment to sustainable growth, energy security and long-term prosperity in the Mediterranean.”

Formal signatures on the document were provided by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith. The nuclear cooperation agreement establishes a basis for discussions regarding a potential Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Laos and creates a legal structure for future collaboration between the two countries in the nuclear sector.

The agreement provides the foundation for broader bilateral engagement in nuclear energy and enables both countries to begin assessing the viability of a nuclear energy project in Laos. As part of the first phase under the nuclear cooperation agreement, the parties intend to carry out a preliminary feasibility study examining how nuclear energy could be integrated into the Lao power system. The assessment will focus on determining the most suitable project configuration while also identifying possible locations for a future nuclear power plant. Results from the study are expected to support decision-making by the Lao government as it considers whether to advance a national nuclear energy program.

Rosatom stated that it has technologies for both floating and land-based small modular nuclear power plants and continues to strengthen energy cooperation across Southeast Asia. The nuclear cooperation agreement with Laos comes after several other nuclear energy arrangements involving Russia in the region. In March 2025, Russia and Myanmar signed an agreement covering the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant in Myanmar based on Russia’s RITM reactor technology.

On 23rd March 2026, Russia and Vietnam signed an intergovernmental agreement in Moscow for the construction of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, Ninh Thuan 1, using Russia’s Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactor technology. Rosatom said such projects could support industrial development, create jobs, strengthen workforce training, and improve long-term energy security in Southeast Asia.

The scope of nuclear energy cooperation was central to a recent meeting between Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Atomic Energy, and Sylvain Guiguet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Kazakhstan. The discussions provided an overview of the current landscape and future possibilities for collaboration between the two nations concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy, alongside vital initiatives for training specialists to support Kazakhstan’s national nuclear industry.

The nuclear energy cooperation discussions also emphasized the importance of a high-level meeting held on 23rd April 2026, between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF. This dialogue was recognized as a strong indicator of mutual interest in further developing Kazakhstan France nuclear energy sector cooperation. It was acknowledged that Kazakhstan views EDF and other French companies as principal prospective partners for the ambitious nuclear power plant construction project.

Integral to the ongoing nuclear energy cooperation is the focus on cultivating a skilled workforce for the nuclear sector. The outcomes of a joint workshop, which took place from 25th to 29th May 2026 at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in collaboration with France’s Institut Laue-Langevin, were met with positive reception. This event specifically addressed the development of expertise within the nuclear field.

“One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy and the International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN). The document provides for cooperation in the training of specialists, the development of educational programs, the exchange of experience, and the establishment of a sustainable system for staffing Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry,” the agency reported.

Both parties expressed confidence that the agreements reached will serve to strengthen the enduring partnership between Kazakhstan and France. Furthermore, these initiatives are expected to advance scientific and technical cooperation and contribute significantly to the training of new personnel essential for the continued growth of the nuclear energy sector in Kazakhstan.

Under the draft plan, the transmission system operators (TSOs) submitted 159 proposed expansion measures. Following its evaluation, the Bundesnetzagentur has determined that 118 of those measures are currently eligible for confirmation. According to the agency, the remaining proposals do not presently make a sufficient contribution to the required upgrading of the transmission system. Of the measures under consideration, 76 are already included in the existing Federal Requirements Plan Act (BBPlG) or in the version currently undergoing revision. In addition, five projects initially scheduled only for the target year 2045 were reviewed against the requirements for 2037 and have been assessed as provisionally eligible for confirmation. These assessments form a central part of the broader electricity grid expansion strategy outlined in the draft plan.

The revised NDP also proposes up to eight additional offshore transmission links by 2037 to support the continued development of offshore wind energy. The Bundesnetzagentur considers these links necessary to meet the expansion targets established under the Offshore Wind Energy Act. Alongside these offshore developments, the consultation covers proposals for further interconnectors intended to strengthen the integration of the European energy supply network. It also includes plans for an additional high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. Together, these proposals are intended to advance electricity grid expansion, improve cross-border connectivity, and support the future evolution of the electricity transmission system.

The review meeting, as conveyed by presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy El-Shennawy, specifically addressed the implementation status of this second phase of national grid reinforcement projects. This comprehensive phase involves an estimated 105 distinct initiatives designed to enhance the reliability and capacity of the electricity network.

Further underscoring Egypt’s commitment to sustainable energy, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, provided insights into the forward-looking plans to integrate solar and wind energy projects with the national grid by the year 2027.

The national grid reinforcement discussions also cast a spotlight on current solar energy and battery storage projects. These efforts are integral to Egypt’s ambitious plan to elevate the proportion of renewable energy in its overall power generation mix to 45% within the next two years. The ongoing expansion of both grid-connected and standalone energy storage facilities is central to achieving this target.

Esmat reported on the successful operation of the initial phase of the Obelisk Solar Power Plant, which was connected to the grid earlier this year. This first phase boasts a substantial capacity of 500 megawatts (MW), complemented by a 200 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system. He further indicated that the second phase of this project, set to add another 500 MW of solar capacity, is anticipated to be connected to the grid in the coming weeks. This is part of a deliberate strategy to introduce new solar and wind generation capacity during the peak summer demand period.

The meeting also provided an update on the developments concerning the Energy Valley project. Recognized as one of the world’s largest integrated clean energy projects, it features 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic solar generation capacity situated in Minya Governorate. This capacity is further supported by advanced battery energy storage systems, totaling 4 gigawatt-hours (GWh), distributed across Minya, Qena, and Alexandria governorates.