Kuwait University And Siemens AG Partner To Launch Advanced Renewable Energy And Smart Technology Labs

In a significant step towards realizing the New Kuwait 2035 vision, Kuwait University, represented by the College of Engineering and Petroleum, has entered into a partnership with German technology giant Siemens AG. The agreement was signed on May 27, 2024, in the presence of key university officials, including Acting President Professor Nawaf Al-Mutairi, Vice President for Planning Professor Asaad Abdulaziz Al-Rashed, Dean of the College of Engineering and Petroleum Professor Khaled Al-Hazzaa, Assistant Vice President for University Site Planning Dr. Majid Majeed, and Engineer Lamees Al-Khurafi from the Planning Sector.

The German Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Frank Neumann, and Siemens Kuwait CEO, Mr. Oliver Spierling, were also present at the ceremony.

Facilitated through the offset program by the Direct Investment Authority (KDIPA), this collaboration will see the establishment of two cutting-edge laboratories at the College of Engineering and Petroleum in Sabah Al-Salem University City. These are the “Distributed Energy System Smart” lighthouse project and the “Internet of Things” (IoT) laboratory.

These laboratories aim to support Kuwait’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing the 3Ds of Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization with smart technology from Siemens. The facilities will serve as innovation hubs for teaching and research in low-carbon energy systems and smart energy technologies. They will prepare Kuwaiti students for roles in local companies, enhancing these firms’ competitive advantages and profitability through their advanced skills and knowledge.

The “Distributed Energy System Smart” project will align with Kuwait University’s Green Building Initiative by optimizing the campus’s energy load and generation. This project will include the installation of a 50KW photovoltaic system, three electric vehicle chargers, and a Microgrid Management System, significantly boosting campus sustainability.

“The collaboration with Siemens marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving the New Kuwait 2035 vision. These laboratories will not only foster innovation and research but also prepare our students to drive the future of sustainable energy in Kuwait,” said Professor Nawaf Al-Mutairi, Acting President of Kuwait University.

This partnership underscores Kuwait University’s commitment to advancing educational and technological excellence, contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals and the broader vision of a greener, more technologically advanced Kuwait.