Kuwait's government has announced the launch ofPhase One of Shagaya Renewable Energy Park project, a major development, which, when completed, would provide 150,000 houses in with power round the clock, said a report.

The Shagaya Solar Energy Plant is a joint project developed by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and the Ministry of Electricity and Water.

It was launched by the Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Dr Khaled Al Fadhel yesterday (February 20) coinciding with Kuwait's ongoing celebrations marking National Day and Independence Day as well as the 13th anniversary of His Highness the Amir's assumption of power, reported Kuna.

A major project for the coutry, the Shagaya Park is being designed in four phases, it stated.

Phase One includes a solar energy plant which will help generate a 70 MW capacity - comprising 50 MW solar energy, 10 MW Solar photovoltaic (PV) and 10 MW wind energy.

Phase Two is meant to produce 1,500 MW Solar PV, while Phase Three aims at generating 1,500 MW of mixed technology energy followed by the final one which aims to generate 1,000 MW of electricity.

Once complete, it would help save 12 million barrels of oil per annum for Kuwait and also create 10,000 jobs during execution as well as 1,200 during operation and maintenance, reported Kuna.

The project would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions of 196,000 tons annually in the first phase and five million tons once the final phase is over, it added.