Officials said the step marks a key stage in the government’s procurement process, as the Audit Bureau’s examination is required before the tender can advance to contract award. The project is seen as essential to securing long-term electricity generation and potable water production, particularly as demand patterns continue to shift due to population growth, urban development, and changing industrial requirements.
The ministry’s decision reflects Kuwait’s effort to accelerate infrastructure improvements across ageing power and desalination assets. Policymakers have been under pressure to strengthen resilience in the national grid and water network after a series of stress points over the past decade highlighted the cost of deferred upgrades. Local engineers familiar with the facility noted that several parts of the plant’s systems have reached a stage where refurbishment is more cost-effective than repeated maintenance cycles.
The tender covers mechanical, electrical, structural, and control-system enhancements designed to increase efficiency and extend the plant’s operational lifespan. Desalination specialists explained that increasing the reliability of reverse osmosis units is particularly important because they operate under sustained high pressure and play a direct role in Kuwait’s drinking water security. The thermal-desalination balance at the facility also means that power output is linked to water production, requiring careful synchronisation when undertaking large-scale works.
Government advisors said the Audit Bureau will examine cost estimates, contractor evaluations, and procedural compliance before issuing its assessment. The ministry will then incorporate any feedback into the tender process. Over the past year, Kuwait has worked to streamline oversight mechanisms to improve transparency and ensure that public-sector contracts for strategic utilities undergo rigorous scrutiny.
Industry analysts view the move as part of a broader wave of utility-sector investment anticipated across the Gulf. Kuwait’s long-term energy and water strategy emphasises modernisation, energy efficiency, and the adoption of advanced desalination technologies capable of reducing fuel consumption. The power station earmarked for upgrade has traditionally relied on thermal desalination, but the addition and expansion of reverse osmosis capacity aligns with global trends favouring lower-energy water production systems.
Contractors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have shown interest in Kuwait’s infrastructure programme, with several firms positioning themselves for upcoming tenders. Specialists familiar with Gulf procurement noted that projects of this scale typically attract partnerships between international engineering groups and local contractors, combining technical expertise with regional operational experience. The Audit Bureau’s review is expected to focus heavily on ensuring that the tender evaluation reflects objective technical and financial criteria.
Senior engineers described the project as a test case for future modernisation efforts. Improving energy efficiency at the plant could help reduce operational costs, a long-standing objective for Kuwait as it works to balance domestic consumption with broader fiscal priorities. Desalination-linked fuel usage remains a significant expenditure, and upgrades that yield even modest improvements in efficiency can produce substantial savings over the plant’s lifecycle.
Officials indicated that once the Audit Bureau completes its assessment, the ministry will proceed with the next procedural steps, which could include contract finalisation and scheduling for phased installation works. Utility planners are expected to design the timeline to avoid disruptions to power and water supplies, particularly during peak-demand periods. Engineers familiar with past overhauls said such projects often require intricate staging to maintain output while equipment is replaced or refurbished.
The referral comes as Kuwait continues to advance other elements of its utilities expansion strategy, including new power stations and desalination plants, grid-strengthening initiatives, and long-term planning for renewable-energy integration. While Kuwait remains heavily reliant on fossil-fuel-driven electricity generation, officials have acknowledged the need to diversify and upgrade existing assets to meet future demand.
The ministry has also been working to address operational and structural challenges across the sector, including workforce requirements, supply-chain constraints, and the adoption of digital monitoring technologies. Experts said that integrating modern control systems into older plants can materially improve their efficiency, reduce downtime, and facilitate predictive maintenance, helping the ministry manage costs and extend asset reliability.
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Kuwait