Interview: Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al Sabah, CEO, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, on driving industrial expansion
Where are the opportunities for enhancing performance at the Al Zour refinery?
SHEIKH NAWAF SAUD AL SABAH: The Al Zour Refinery is an important asset for Kuwait’s energy sector. As one of the world’s largest and most advanced refining complexes, operating at 615,000 barrels per day, it gives us a unique platform to integrate refining and petrochemical operations at scale. This integration enables smarter feedstock optimisation, lowers operating costs and strengthens our global competitiveness.
We are also investing heavily in digitalisation and advanced automation, which are elevating operational reliability and energy efficiency across the entire value chain. These new technologies give us real time insights, enhance planning and ensure Al Zour remains one of the most flexible and high-performing oil refineries worldwide.
What are the main opportunities and challenges in reaching net zero by 2050?
SHEIKH NAWAF: The commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 is based on the view that low-carbon hydrocarbons will continue to play an important role during the energy transition. Kuwait’s position as a cost-competitive and carbon-efficient producer provides a strong foundation for this approach.
To build on this advantage, energy efficiency measures are being implemented across operations, routine flaring is being reduced and selected facilities are being electrified. These actions are helping to lower operational emissions and improve overall performance. Emerging technologies are also central to long-term plans, playing an increasingly important role in reaching net zero by 2050. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is a priority, with several scalable solutions under evaluation for wider deployment. The focus for Kuwait remains on managing this energy transition in a way that supports economic resilience while also meeting the country’s climate objectives.
To what extent is greater cooperation among Gulf countries required for the successful development of the region’s energy reserves?
SHEIKH NAWAF: Regional cooperation has long been key to energy security and economic stability in the Gulf. As market conditions evolve and the energy transition accelerates, collaboration has become even more crucial. Gulf states collectively hold significant hydrocarbon reserves, and developing these resources efficiently requires shared expertise, coordinated infrastructure planning and joint investment in technology. This has led to a range of cross-border partnerships in upstream, downstream and gas supply projects. The countries of the GCC have complementary strengths. By aligning strategies and deepening cooperation, the region can reinforce its position as a reliable supplier of stable and lower-carbon energy to global markets in the years ahead.
How is the oil and gas industry improving downstream diversification and industrial capacity?
SHEIKH NAWAF: The country operates more than 1.4m barrels per day of domestic refining capacity, alongside around 425,000 barrels per day of overseas crude processing through refineries in Italy, Oman and Vietnam. These facilities produce high-quality products that meet strict environmental standards. In parallel, the industry is also strengthening domestic industrial capacity by promoting local content. Greater engagement with Kuwaiti companies and small and medium-sized enterprises is creating additional opportunities within the supply chain. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation is now focusing on expanding and diversifying the petrochemicals sector. Investment is being directed towards higher-value petrochemical projects and greater integration between refining and chemical operations. This approach is intended to improve efficiency, strengthen market positioning and support long-term competitiveness.
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